Helsinki/New Delhi: Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has strongly praised the recently signed India-European Union trade agreement, calling it a model the world should follow at a time when global economies are facing rising protectionism and tariff wars.
Orpo said the EU-India trade deal is not only important for Europe and India, but also holds global significance by opening new opportunities for economic cooperation and sustainable development. He urged nations to move towards free trade instead of increasing tariffs.
The Finnish Prime Minister made the remarks after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Speaking to Reuters, Orpo said:
“In today’s world, trade agreements have immense value. We do not need more tariffs across the world. We need more free trade. We can say that the India-European Union trade deal is very important, and this is the direction the world should move in.”
Finland Welcomes EU-India Deal, Calls It a Catalyst for Prosperity
Following the Modi-Orpo meeting, the Indian Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement saying both leaders welcomed the EU-India agreement, describing it as a catalyst for shared progress and prosperity.
The statement noted that the deal is expected to deliver strong long-term outcomes and deepen India’s economic engagement with Europe.
Orpo in India for AI Summit
Prime Minister Orpo is currently on an official visit to India to participate in the AI Summit, reflecting Finland’s increasing interest in strengthening technological and strategic cooperation with India.
Orpo said Finland aims to double its trade with India by the early 2030s, signalling a major push towards expanding bilateral economic ties.
He also stressed that Finland and India, together with global partners, can play a crucial role in promoting strong, sustainable, and human-centric technological growth.
What Is the EU-India Trade Deal?
The long-awaited EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was formally signed in New Delhi on January 27, after nearly 20 years of negotiations marked by repeated delays and setbacks.
The agreement was announced earlier by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Due to its massive scale and potential economic impact, the deal has been described as the “mother of all trade deals.”
A Market of Nearly 2 Billion People
The EU-India agreement is expected to create an integrated market impacting nearly two billion people, making it one of the largest and most influential trade partnerships in the world.
Experts believe the deal could significantly boost trade, investment, manufacturing cooperation, and supply chain resilience between India and Europe, while also strengthening strategic ties amid shifting global power dynamics.
With Orpo’s strong endorsement, the EU-India trade pact is increasingly being viewed as a global blueprint for economic cooperation in an era dominated by trade tensions and geopolitical competition.
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