India and Finland talk Arctic Council, digital partnership and climate change
India and Finland at the end of a virtual summit on Tuesday evening announced an ambitious Digital partnership. The talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Sanna Marin virtually lasted about an hour and focused on increasing “Sustainability Partnership” which will involve renewable and clean energy, circular economy, as well as sustainable mobility.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to work for multilateralism, a rules-based international order, Sustainable Development Goals and to jointly combat climate change. The two sides talked about Future Mobile Technologies and Digital education and ICT.
India and Finland have much potential for enhanced cooperation on polar issues, taking into consideration India’s observer status within the Arctic Council. Both are consultative members of the Antarctic Treaty and both have active stations in Antarctica.
Both sides underlined the key role of the Arctic Council as the main forum for circumpolar cooperation on Arctic matters and took note of the increasing international attention towards the Council. India as an active observer in the Arctic Council is welcome to join and concretely contribute to these efforts.
