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Commerce Minister Meets Nokia, KONE and VTT Leadership in Finland to Expand Cooperation in 5G, Advanced Manufacturing, Innovation and Sustainable Development

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a series of high-level meetings with leading Finnish technology and industrial companies during his visit to Helsinki, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties with Finland in areas such as advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, research, innovation and sustainable development. The engagements formed part of Goyal’s broader European outreach aimed at enhancing trade, attracting investment and expanding technology partnerships with key global economies.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the discussions reflected the growing momentum in India-Finland relations, with both countries seeking deeper collaboration in emerging technologies, clean energy, digital infrastructure and industrial innovation. The visit also underscored India’s position as a preferred destination for global manufacturing, research and development, supported by initiatives such as Make in India, expanding infrastructure and a rapidly growing digital economy.

The meetings came at a time when India and Finland are working to strengthen their Strategic Partnership in Digitalisation and Sustainability, announced earlier this year, while also exploring opportunities created by the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to significantly expand bilateral trade and investment.

Focus on Next-Generation Technologies with Nokia

A key highlight of the minister’s visit was his meeting with the leadership of Nokia Corporation, where discussions centred on expanding cooperation in next-generation telecommunications, 5G and 6G technologies, digital infrastructure, electronics manufacturing, research and development, and innovation partnerships. The two sides reviewed Nokia’s long-standing contribution to India’s telecom ecosystem and explored new opportunities to strengthen collaboration in advanced digital technologies.

During the interaction, Goyal encouraged Nokia to further expand its manufacturing footprint in India, increase exports from its India-based facilities and deepen investments in research and development. He also emphasised the importance of secure telecom networks and resilient supply chains while inviting the company to leverage India’s vast engineering talent, expanding telecom market and favourable manufacturing ecosystem.

The discussions highlighted India’s growing role as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and digital innovation, with both sides expressing interest in strengthening long-term cooperation in future communication technologies.

Research and Innovation Cooperation with VTT

Piyush Goyal also visited the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, one of Europe’s leading applied research institutions, where discussions focused on expanding collaboration in research, industrial innovation, clean technologies, digitalisation and sustainable development. The talks explored opportunities for joint research programmes, technology transfer, advanced materials and industrial transformation that could benefit institutions and industries in both countries.

Officials noted that stronger cooperation between Indian and Finnish research organisations could accelerate innovation across sectors including manufacturing, clean energy and digital technologies. The discussions also reflected the increasing importance of international research partnerships in addressing emerging technological and sustainability challenges.

Expanding Manufacturing Partnership with KONE

Another important engagement during the visit was Goyal’s meeting with the Chairman and senior leadership of KONE Corporation, a global leader in elevators and escalators. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in smart urban infrastructure, sustainable construction technologies, advanced manufacturing and localisation of production in India.

Both sides examined opportunities arising from India’s rapidly expanding infrastructure sector, urban development initiatives and manufacturing ecosystem. The minister highlighted India’s strong demand for modern infrastructure solutions and encouraged deeper collaboration that could support both domestic manufacturing and exports. The discussions also explored how Finnish technological expertise could complement India’s infrastructure growth ambitions.

India Positions Itself as a Trusted Manufacturing Hub

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the meetings provided an opportunity for direct interaction with some of Finland’s leading technology and industrial companies while showcasing India’s strengths as a trusted manufacturing and innovation partner. Officials highlighted India’s expanding industrial base, improving ease of doing business, skilled workforce and policy initiatives aimed at attracting global investment.

The minister reiterated that India’s rapidly growing economy offers significant opportunities for international companies looking to diversify manufacturing operations, strengthen supply chains and participate in emerging technology sectors. Finland’s expertise in telecommunications, clean technologies, engineering and industrial innovation aligns closely with India’s development priorities, creating strong potential for long-term partnerships.

Strengthening India-Finland Economic Relations

Goyal’s visit to Finland forms part of a broader effort to deepen India’s economic engagement with Europe. He led a high-level Indian business delegation to Spain, Belgium and Finland from July 13 to July 17, focusing on expanding trade, investment, technology partnerships, innovation and sustainability.

During the Finland leg of the visit, discussions extended beyond individual companies to broader bilateral cooperation. India and Finland are aiming to significantly expand business engagement across digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, space, clean energy, bioeconomy, circular economy and sustainable infrastructure. Officials from both countries have also expressed confidence that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will create new opportunities for businesses to strengthen commercial ties.

The visit also follows the signing of two important Memoranda of Understanding between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Business Finland, and between CII and the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), aimed at creating stronger institutional frameworks for business collaboration, facilitating investments and promoting industry partnerships.

Technology, Sustainability and Manufacturing at the Core

India and Finland have increasingly identified technology, sustainability and innovation as the pillars of their evolving strategic relationship. Finnish companies possess globally recognised expertise in telecommunications, semiconductor technologies, artificial intelligence, environmental technologies and clean energy solutions, while India offers one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies, a vast consumer market and an expanding manufacturing base.

Officials from both countries believe that combining Finland’s advanced technological capabilities with India’s manufacturing strength and engineering talent can create mutually beneficial opportunities across several high-growth sectors. The collaboration is also expected to support research partnerships, innovation-led industrial growth and the development of resilient global supply chains.

With bilateral engagement gaining momentum and both governments committed to expanding cooperation, Goyal’s meetings with Finnish industry leaders are expected to pave the way for increased investments, stronger technology partnerships and deeper economic integration between India and Finland in the years ahead

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