Helsinki [Finland], September 22 (ANI): Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has urged India to play a greater role in addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying the country has a significant geopolitical interest in the issue.
“I’ve been speaking to PM Modi recently about the situation in Ukraine. India has a geopolitical stake here. So we need to get them involved,” Stubb said at the Helsinki Security Forum 2025.
Outlining steps toward peace, Stubb stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire as the first priority. “Only then can we begin peace negotiations. We also need a formal date for a bilateral meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, and only after that can Zelenskyy reach out to Putin by phone to discuss what the agenda could be,” he said.
He emphasized that pressure on Moscow must continue alongside support for Kyiv. “Meanwhile, we need to continue ramping up economic sanctions on Russia, and we also need to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities by providing all necessary defense means,” he added.
Responding to a question about last month’s meeting between European leaders and US President Donald Trump in Washington, Stubb said discussions were progressing on long-term security guarantees. “We are working on the idea of European security arrangements or security guarantees, and on the military side, they are pretty much ready,” he noted.
In August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a telephone call from President Stubb, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Stubb shared his assessment of recent talks between European, US, and Ukrainian leaders in Washington about resolving the conflict.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for a peaceful resolution and the early restoration of peace and stability. The two leaders also reviewed progress in India-Finland ties, reaffirming their commitment to enhance cooperation in areas such as quantum technologies, 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainability.
The MEA added that Stubb reaffirmed Finland’s backing for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement and expressed support for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026. Modi invited Stubb to visit India soon, and both agreed to stay in touch.
Reflecting on the call, Modi posted on X: “Had a good conversation with President Alexander Stubb. Finland is a valued partner in the EU. Discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as trade, technology and sustainability. Exchanged perspectives on the ongoing efforts for peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.” (ANI)
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