On the 26th of February 2026, Finland-India Business Association and EY Global, in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Helsinki, hosted “India’s Budget 2026: Economic Outlook and EU–India Trade Developments”.

Juho Romakkaniemi, CEO of Finland Chamber of Commerce, opened the event by highlighting that, the new India-EU FTA opens up new business possibilities or Finnish companies in India.

Amit Jain of EY presented the main elements of India’s Union Budget 2026, including India-EU FTA related updates, as well as highlighted their relevance and opportunities for Finnish entrepreneurs.

According to the European Commission, the FTA is set to become the most ambitious trade opening India has ever granted to a partner, eliminating or reducing tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exports to India, resulting in annual savings of approximately €4 billion in duties for European companies. The agreement will also create a free trade zone covering 2 billion people, strengthening economic ties between the EU and one of the world’s fastest‑growing major economies.

During their speeches, Ambassador Hemant Kotalwar and Director General Tuomas Tapio emphasized the potential of the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), noting its ability to significantly boost bilateral trade by 2030.

In early March 2026, the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, visited India, where he met the President of India, Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This further highlights the momentum of the trade between Finland and India.

The event was hosted and moderated by Jukka Nuortio and Chandan Chatarjee, Chair and Vice-Chair of Finland-India Business Association.

Text: Jenni Tiainen

Pictures: Embassy of India in Helsinki