Possibility of NATO membership this summer, says Finland's Minister during India visit

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on an India visit, has said that there is a possibility of his country becoming “member of NATO this summer." 

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on an India visit, has said that there is a possibility of his country becoming “member of NATO this summer." The statement is significant since Russia last week warned of consequences if Finland and its neighbour Sweden join the US-led defense alliance. Russian military offensive in Ukraine has created worries in these Nordic countries with increased calls for abandonment of military non-alignment.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Minister Lintilä said,"Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack...people are nervous and what happens next" but "I have to say, EU is stronger than ever in this case." The Finland economy minister is in India with a big business delegation and will be meeting many Indian central government ministers.

India’s trade in goods with Finland crossed US$ One billion (Euros 870 million) and is in Finland’s favour. Trade in services is growing and crossed US$ 1.5 billion (Euros 1.3 billion) with many Indian IT companies positioned in Finland. As per Indian government estimates, Finnish companies invested US$ 497 million between April, 2000 to December, 2019. Within the EU, Finland ranks 12th among countries investing in India. More than 100 Finnish companies have operations in India, including through investments. Nokia, Kone, Wartsila, UPM, Fortum, Metso, Huhtamaki, Salcomp, Ahlstrom, etc. have set up their manufacturing facilities in India.

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