India has underlined the urgent need for stronger diplomatic engagement amid escalating geopolitical tensions and the far-reaching impact of ongoing conflicts across the world.
Speaking at the Kultaranta Talks in Finland during a discussion on “Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition,” External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar warned that current conflicts are creating economic and strategic consequences that extend well beyond the regions directly involved. The session also featured Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Lana Nusseibeh.
Dr Jaishankar stressed the importance of sustained international efforts to contain the fallout of conflicts and foster conditions that support dialogue and diplomacy. He highlighted the growing need to de-risk and diversify global supply chains while building greater resilience and redundancy in an increasingly uncertain world.
The Minister also reiterated that India’s energy decisions continue to be driven by national interest, with purchases determined by considerations of affordability and availability.
Highlighting India’s strategic priorities, Dr Jaishankar described the Gulf region as central to New Delhi’s foreign policy, citing deep people-to-people connections, strong energy cooperation, and expanding strategic and defence partnerships.
Addressing the changing nature of global security challenges, he noted that warfare is undergoing rapid transformation, with emerging technologies, advanced weapons systems and new tactics increasingly shaping conflicts alongside conventional military engagements. This evolution, he said, is creating fresh opportunities for defence and strategic cooperation between India and the European Union.
Dr Jaishankar further pointed to the growing momentum in India-EU relations, noting that the two sides have this year concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement, signed a Strategic and Defence Partnership, and agreed on a Comprehensive Mobility Cooperation Framework.
On the sidelines of the Kultaranta Talks, Dr Jaishankar met Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The two leaders exchanged views on evolving global developments and emphasised the importance of diplomacy in navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain international environment.
In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said that India and Finland remain committed to advancing their Strategic Partnership in Digitalisation and Sustainability while enhancing coordination in multilateral forums on issues of shared interest.
The External Affairs Minister also held talks with UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Lana Nusseibeh, during which both sides reviewed progress under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed regional developments of mutual concern.
