‘Bilateral relations will reach new heights’: PM Modi welcomes Finnish Prez Alexander Stubb

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday warmly welcomed Alexander Stubb as he arrived in India for a four-day state visit, calling the Finnish leader’s trip a milestone for India-Finland relations. The visit, which runs through March 7, marks President Stubb’s first official trip to India since taking office and reflects the growing rapport between the two democracies.

In a post on X welcoming his guest, PM Modi wrote: “Welcome to India, President Alexander Stubb. I fully agree with you, your visit will take India-Finland relations to new heights. I eagerly look forward to our meeting tomorrow and to your keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue 2026.”

Welcome to India, President Alexander Stubb. I fully agree with you, your visit will take India-Finland relations to new heights. I eagerly look forward to our meeting tomorrow and to your keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue 2026. @alexstubb https://t.co/pJs0N3J9Mr

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2026

State visit packed with high-level engagements

President Stubb received a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi and was greeted with a Guard of Honour on arrival. During his stay, he is expected to engage in extensive talks with India’s leadership on strengthening cooperation in multiple sectors and deepening strategic ties.

The visit also highlights Finland’s role as a trusted partner for India in the European Union and the Nordic region, especially in areas like trade, innovation and democratic collaboration.

Raisina Dialogue and beyond

A key event on the agenda is the 11th Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship geopolitics and geo-economics conference. President Stubb will serve as Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, addressing global leaders and policymakers at the three-day forum.

In addition to discussions in New Delhi, President Stubb is scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Prime Minister Modi will also host a luncheon in his honour.

After the capital engagements, President Stubb will travel to Mumbai, where he will meet state leadership, interact with Indian business leaders and give a talk at the University of Mumbai.