New Delhi, November 21: Marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries, the 19th Session of the India-Finland Joint Commission was held in New Delhi on November 20 and 21. The Technical Session was held on November 20 and the Joint Commission Session on November 21.
The Indian delegation was led by Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The delegation comprised of senior officials from various departments.
The Finnish side was led by Piritta Asunmaa, Director General, Department for the Americas and Asia, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Head of Delegation and Finland co-chair.
Both sides reiterated the useful role of the Joint Commission as a forum for strengthening economic relations between India and Finland. The deliberations of the Joint Commission reaffirmed the partnership between the two countries. Both sides also reaffirmed their will to continue their cooperation, in order to further expand the common ground that will reinforce the existing partnerships and create space for future opportunities.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of India - Finland diplomatic relations. Both India and Finland cooperate on a wide array of issues and as a member of EU, Finland regards India as a strategic partner for balanced and comprehensive trade relations.
Bilateral trade between India and Finland totaled USD 1.247 billion in 2014-15 and USD 1.284 billion in 2016-17. In 2016 Finnish companies have invested USD 419 million between April 2000 to July 2017. Approximately 100 Finnish companies have operations in India and about 30 Indian companies mainly in the software and consultancy sector are active in Finland.
The Finnish side invited India for the 20th session of the Joint Commission in Helsinki in 2021.