As India and Finland mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, the evolving partnership between these two nations stands as a testament to their shared vision for a sustainable and innovative future. Ambassador Kimmo Lähdevirta of Finland, in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, highlights the historical, cultural, and economic synergies that define this robust relationship while emphasizing the pivotal role of digitization, education, sustainability, and innovation.
Explaining the significance of DESI—a concept encompassing Digitalization, Education, Sustainability, and Innovation—Ambassador Lähdevirta remarks, “DESI is a conceptual framework to showcase the key areas between Finnish know-how and Indian interests. It also resonates with India’s indigenous identity, signifying mutually beneficial cooperation rather than something externally imposed.”
Expanding the acronym, he proposes adding M for Mobility, underlining Finland’s efforts to attract Indian talent across sectors like ICT and care giving, as well as students to Finnish universities. This strategic initiative reflects Finland’s commitment to fostering cross-border mobility and skill exchange.
The historical connection between India and Finland is steeped in mutual admiration. Highlighting pivotal moments, Ambassador Lähdevirta reminds, “Finnish newspapers covered India’s non-violent struggle for independence with much sympathy in the early 20th century. Similarly, Indians expressed solidarity with Finland during the Winter War of 1939.” Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1949, and this year’s milestone celebration underscores the enduring legacy of mutual respect and shared cultural values.
Culture has long been a powerful medium for connection. The Ambassador praises the enthusiasm of Finnish youth and women’s societies for Indian dance forms, emphasizing the growing popularity of events like India Day in Helsinki. “India Day in Helsinki features numerous Finnish performers showcasing Indian dances—a testament to the cultural fascination and exchange between our nations,” he rejoices.
Cinema also plays a vital role in fostering cultural understanding. Ambassador Lähdevirta highlights the participation of Finnish films in Indian festivals, such as ‘Death is a Problem for the Living’ at the EU Film Festival and ‘Giant’s Kettle’ at the Yellowstone International Film Festival. “Cinema is an effective medium for cultural exchange, and Finnish films’ sensitive, humanistic storytelling resonates well with Indian audiences,” Ambassador Lähdevirta explains. Also, a Travel XP documentary, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, titled, ‘All I Want for Christmas,’ is ready for premiere. The premiere is planned together with Travel XP and the Embassies of Ukraine, Norway and Finland.
The numbers in terms of the literary translations of Finnish works into the Indian languages are moderate but nonetheless highlight the enormous potential. “Altogether, about 30 pieces of Finnish literature been published in India, in 8 different languages. These include mainly classics such as the national epic ‘Kalevala’ by Elias Lönnrot and several children’s books, for example many books by authors Sinikka and Tiina Nopola. Of contemporary Finnish novels, Sofi Oksanen’s ‘Purge’ has been published in India,” he reveals.
The Indian community in Finland has expanded significantly in recent years, now numbering approximately 22,000. “Twenty years ago, there were only a few thousand Indians in Finland. Today, they are among the fastest-growing expat communities,” the Ambassador notes. While ICT remains a dominant field, Indians are contributing across various sectors, including Finnish higher education, with around 2,000 Indian students enrolled. The community’s diversity and active participation in Finnish society underscore the deepening ties between the two nations.
Education is a cornerstone of Indo-Finnish collaboration. Notable initiatives include the Punjab government’s teacher training program at the University of Turku and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Finnish universities and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to facilitate faculty exchanges and joint research projects. “Education is a key part of our cooperation, with increased student mobility and partnerships aimed at sharing best practices in early childhood, primary, and higher education,” the Ambassador explains.
Ambassador Lähdevirta emphasizes the need to explore new cultural and creative collaborations. “Films, theatre, literature, sports, and even sauna culture offer immense potential for deeper engagement. Finland is known for its happiness, quality education, and good governance, which resonate with Indian values,” he highlights. Next year’s celebration of the iconic Finnish Moomin characters’ 80th anniversary presents another opportunity for cultural engagement in India.
Having spent a year and a half in India, Ambassador Lähdevirta expresses admiration for the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity, its architecture, and its warm hospitality. He shares, “India’s vast cultural richness, from the Himalayas to the southern coast, has been truly fascinating. My travels here have been both official and personal, and they’ve deepened my understanding and appreciation of this incredible country.”
The Ambassador concludes by stressing the importance of raising awareness about Finland in India and vice versa, leveraging social media and people-to-people exchanges to bridge gaps. “Direct daily flights between Delhi and Helsinki by Finnair ensure convenient travel, fostering stronger connections. Moving forward, we aim to enhance cultural, educational, and technological partnerships for a sustainable future.”
As India and Finland continue to forge deeper bonds across cultural, educational, and economic fronts, the journey reflects a shared commitment to mutual growth and understanding—an enduring partnership that promises to thrive for decades to come.