Kumar Bahukhandi
A lighthearted video featuring Jaishankar and the Finnish Foreign Minister has gone viral. (Photo: Reuters)
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s visit took place at a time when the world is grappling with challenges such as wars, energy security, global trade, and shifting geopolitical equations. Upon arriving in Finland, Jaishankar held extensive bilateral talks with his counterpart, Elina Valtonen.
During his visit to Finland, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the ‘Kultaranta Talks’ alongside Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. He took the opportunity to sharply criticise the double standards of Western nations. However, a remark made by Jaishankar during the conversation elicited a humorous reaction from Valtonen, which has since gone viral.
Following their bilateral meeting, both leaders addressed the media. When Valtonen jokingly remarked that the two countries had signed “many agreements,” Jaishankar smiled and replied, “You shouldn’t have said that.” Valtonen was momentarily taken aback by his quick wit before bursting into laughter. This reaction was captured on camera and subsequently went viral.
It is worth noting that Jaishankar’s visit occurred amidst global challenges such as wars, energy security issues, trade complexities, and changing geopolitical dynamics. Upon his arrival in Finland, he engaged in detailed bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Elina Valtonen, covering topics such as defense cooperation, technology, trade, investment, green energy, digital innovation, and global security.
During the meeting, both leaders emphasised the need to further strengthen ties between India and Finland. Finland is keen to expand its economic and technological partnership with India, while India is also actively working to bolster its strategic relations with Europe. Both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in the defense sector, exchange new technologies, and encourage investment. Additionally, topics such as global supply chains, energy security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region were part of the discussions.
The Russia-Ukraine war and the issue of oil purchases from Russia also featured prominently during the visit. Certain quarters in Western nations have long questioned India regarding its oil imports from Russia. However, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen publicly supported India’s stance, stating that India had adhered to the price cap mechanism established by Western nations when purchasing oil from Russia.
(With Reuters Input )
