Businesses and policymakers explore new opportunities in circular economy collaboration ahead of WCEF 2026.
Resource efficiency, sustainable value chains and innovation emerge as key drivers of future India-Finland economic ties.
Over 100 Finnish companies are already active in India across clean energy, recycling, waste management and digital solutions.
In New Delhi, businesses, policymakers, startups and industry experts gathered at the India Circular Economy Forum (ICEF) 2026, ahead of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026, to explore expanding opportunities for India-Finland collaboration in the circular economy.
Resource efficiency, sustainable value chains and innovation emerged as the key drivers of future growth, participants said.
In an interview with Outlook, Counselor for Trade and Investments, Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, Antti Herlevi said that the circular economy was both an environmental and an economic priority and over 100 Finnish companies were already active in India across clean energy, waste management, recycling, digital solutions and sustainable design.
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Could you tell us about the World Circular Economy Forum 2026, which will be held in Gandhinagar? Finland is a global leader in the circular economy. How can Finnish expertise support India’s transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy?
The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 will be held in Gandhinagar from September 15-18. It is the world’s largest and most important event dedicated to the circular economy.
The forum is being jointly organised by Finland and India and will feature global discussions on developing circular economy systems and creating new business models. Finland has a long tradition of developing circular business models, and I am looking forward to many productive discussions at the event.
Finland can share its experience in designing products, minimising material consumption and making better use of waste and secondary materials. Such cooperation with India is already underway, but the forum will bring greater attention to these experiences and opportunities.
India and the European Union have signed a free trade agreement. What is the likely timeline for its implementation and how could the agreement accelerate trade and investment between India and Finland?
The agreement is expected to take effect early next year, although I do not have the exact dates. It will make it easier for businesses to expand, collaborate and undertake joint development projects.
The FTA is an excellent step forward for EU-India economic relations and will also strengthen commercial cooperation between Finland and India.
How can Finland contribute to India’s artificial intelligence, quantum technology and semiconductor manufacturing ecosystems?
This is not my primary field of expertise, but Finland has several strong companies working in artificial intelligence and semiconductors. We can share examples of how these companies have established and expanded their operations.
Finnish companies are already holding discussions in India, and we can help bring more of their expertise and experience to the Indian market.
What role can Finland play in India’s green-energy transition, particularly in hydrogen and battery technologies?
Finnish technical and research institutes are conducting considerable research in battery technologies, and Finland can bring this expertise and know-how to India. Although Finland is not a major battery manufacturer, it can contribute advanced knowledge in research, innovation and technological development.
Bilateral trade between India and Finland remains modest. Which sectors offer the greatest growth potential?
Information and communications technology is one promising sector, particularly network development led by Nokia. I also see considerable potential in construction, where Finland has expertise in sustainable technologies and business models.
The maritime sector offers further opportunities, including port infrastructure and cleaner marine engines. Space is another particularly interesting area: Finland has a long tradition of developing space technologies, including satellites and space-based data services, and this could emerge as an important new field of cooperation between Finland and India.
inland is a global leader in 5G and telecommunications. Is there scope for deeper collaboration with India beyond Nokia?
Beyond Nokia, Finland has many small and medium-sized enterprises conducting research and developing new technologies in telecommunications. Working with Nokia could help some of these companies enter and expand in the Indian market.
Nokia already has a major presence here, and India is its largest market. The company could help bring smaller Finnish firms into India by forming consortia with them, creating substantial potential for wider collaboration.
re there plans to expand university partnerships between India and Finland? How can the two countries increase student mobility and strengthen research collaboration?
Finnish and Indian universities and higher-education institutions are already holding extensive discussions on greater cooperation. Finland has attracted considerable interest in India because of the international reputation of its education system.
I see many promising opportunities to expand institutional partnerships, student mobility and research collaboration between the two countries.
Is there scope for greater defence cooperation between India and Finland?
Several Finnish companies operate in the defence sector. One prominent example is Patria, which manufactures defence equipment and military vehicles.
I see potential for cooperation between Finland and India in this sector, although bilateral defence-industrial engagement remains limited at present.
