Finland's President Alexander Stubb has recently lauded India as an emerging superpower that should be included in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In a recent interview with Firstpost, Stubb emphasized India's unique position on the global stage and its importance as a partner for Western nations.
Stubb has consistently advocated for greater engagement with India on matters of global security. At the Helsinki Security Forum 2025, he highlighted India's vested interest in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting his discussions with Prime Minister Modi on the situation. He stressed the need for a ceasefire as a prerequisite for peace negotiations.
During the UNGA 2025, when questioned about emerging alliances involving India, China, and Russia, Stubb stated that "India is not like Russia and China". He described India as "an emerging superpower and a close ally of America and Europe," urging the West to collaborate with India. He pointed out that while Russia and China have a direct connection, with China's economy now significantly larger and providing Russia with the means to continue its war, India maintains close ties with the European Union and the United States.
Stubb has also supported strengthening ties between India and Finland through cooperation in technology and trade. In August 2025, he and PM Modi reviewed the progress of bilateral relations during a phone call, agreeing to enhance collaboration in areas such as quantum technologies, 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Stubb also expressed his support for the swift conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which has been under negotiation for several years, and for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026. PM Modi has invited Stubb to visit India soon, and both leaders have agreed to maintain close communication.
Furthermore, Stubb's remarks carry a message to Washington, suggesting that Europe is diversifying its partnerships and recognizing India's scale, stability, and shared values. He sees India as a country that believes in a rules-based order, even if it does not always adhere to every Western rule. This shift in perspective comes as Europe prepares for a world where America may not always be the dependable partner it once was, positioning India as a key pillar in navigating global turbulence.
