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Journalism of Courage
With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that Europe could soon host talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Finland President Alexander Stubb on Tuesday spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shared his assessment on the recent meetings held between European leaders on the Russia-Ukraine war.
This also comes days ahead of PM Modi’s likely meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in China’s Tianjin. During the call, the two leaders also discussed bilateral ties and the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as per a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
“President Stubb reiterated Finland’s support for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement,” the statement said. With the US hitting Indian exports with a 50 percent tariff — including 25 percent penalty tariff for buying Russian oil — India is looking to conclude its ongoing FTA negotiations with the EU at the earliest to offset the situation.
The statement added that the two leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Finland bilateral relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to enhance partnership in emerging fields, including quantum technologies, 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and sustainability.
Stubb affirmed support for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026, as per the PMO release on Wednesday.
“Stubb shared his assessment with Modi on the recent meetings held between the leaders of Europe, the United States and Ukraine in Washington on the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine,” it said, adding, “Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for the peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability, it added.
A day earlier, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy — in a social media post — said that Kyiv was relying on “India’s contribution” to end the war with Russia. While thanking PM Modi for his greetings on their Independence Day, Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine appreciates India’s dedication to “peace and dialogue”.
Modi said India has always stood on the side of peace and remains committed to “extending all possible support for sincere efforts seeking an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy”.
In fact, soon after the Trump-Putin talks in Alaska, European leaders including Stubb and Zelenskyy, had a four-hour long meeting with President Trump in Washington.
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