INDIA AND FINLAND ARE CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

As India and Finland mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, the evolving partnership between these two nations stands as a testament to their shared vision for a sustainable and innovative future.

Ambassador Kimmo Lähdevirta of Finland, in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, highlights the historical, cultural, and economic synergies that define this robust relationship while emphasizing the pivotal role of digitization, education, sustainability, and innovation.

Explaining the significance of DESI-a concept encompassing Digitalization, Education, Sustainability, and InnovationAmbassador Lähdevirta remarks, "DESI is a conceptual framework to showcase the key areas between Finnish know-how and Indian interests.

It also resonates with India's indigenous identity, signifying mutually beneficial cooperation rather than something externally imposed." Expanding the acronym, he proposes adding M for Mobility, underlining Finland's efforts to attract Indian talent across sectors like ICT and care giving, as well as students to Finnish universities. This strategic initiative reflects Finland's commitment to fostering cross-border mobility and skill exchange.

The historical connection between India and Finland is steeped in mutual admiration. Highlighting pivotal moments, Ambassador Lähdevirta reminds, "Finnish newspapers covered India's non-violent struggle for independence with much sympathy in the early 20th century.

Similarly, Indians expressed solidarity with Finland during the Winter War of 1939." Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1949, and this year's milestone celebration underscores the enduring legacy of mutual respect and shared cultural values.