Finland and India Celebrate 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations at New Delhi Embassy

A grand reception was hosted by the Finland Embassy in New Delhi to mark the 75th anniversary of Finland-India diplomatic relations. Key figures from both nations highlighted the event, emphasizing the multifaceted partnership in areas like digitalization, education, and sustainability. The event included cultural performances and concluded with a raffle draw.

The Finland Embassy in New Delhi hosted a grand reception on Tuesday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and India. The event underscored the deep and multifaceted partnership formed over the past seven and a half decades, featuring Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal as the guest of honour.

Diplomats, business leaders, cultural figures, and friends of both nations attended the festivities, which began with the national anthems of both countries. Ambassador of Finland to India, Kimmo Lahdevirta, addressed the gathering, highlighting the historical ties and evolving partnership between Finland and India.

Ambassador Lahdevirta stated, 'Today, our partnership is more robust than ever. We have ventured into strategic dialogues in areas like digitalisation, education, sustainability, and innovation--collectively termed DESI. This framework, based on the 2021 Joint Declaration by our Prime Ministers, aims to deepen cooperation in ICT, education, and environmental sustainability, symbolizing our shared vision for the future.'

Sakari Puisto, Chairperson of the Commerce Committee of the Parliament of Finland, also spoke about the significant economic ties, citing over 100 Finnish companies operating in India with investments exceeding 4 billion euros. Puisto emphasized the commitment to sustainability, digital innovation, and educational exchange that propels the partnership forward.

Further underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship, Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, delivered a special video message reinforcing Finland's dedication to strengthening ties with India. The reception featured a cake-cutting ceremony and a cultural performance by students from the World University of Design (WUD), marking the diplomatic milestone.

The embassy had previously collaborated with WUD on a logo-design competition to celebrate the 75-year milestone, with the winning logo by student Aman Narayan inspired by India's cultural ethos and Finland's famous aurora borealis. This logo has been adopted in bilateral communications throughout the year.

Concluding the event, guests enjoyed a raffle draw for a round-trip flight between Delhi and Helsinki, courtesy of Finnair. The evening also included live jazz by the ASG.TPM Band and a buffet featuring Indian and Finnish delicacies. Attendees left with Moomin mugs celebrating Finland's cultural icons.

The reception not only celebrated the longstanding partnership between Finland and India but also looked ahead to future collaborations in digitalisation, sustainability, and people-to-people exchanges.

(With inputs from agencies.)