1 week ago
India-Finland Cooperation Advances Circular Economy Partnerships Ahead of WCEF
India and Finland held a meeting about using resources more carefully and creating less waste.
This approach is called a circular economy.
Companies from both countries discussed ways to work together on clean energy, recycling, waste management and technology.
Finnish companies already have a presence in India, and officials said there is room for more cooperation.
Indian experts said circular economy ideas should influence how products are designed and how businesses operate.
The meeting was held in New Delhi from August 20 to 21.
It came before a larger global circular economy forum in Gandhinagar in September.
India and Finland are also connected by growing trade.
A planned trade agreement between India and the European Union has been negotiated but has not yet taken effect.
India and Finland discussed expanding business and technology partnerships in the circular economy at the India Circular Economy Forum 2026.
The August 20–21 forum focused on resilient value chains, traceability, resource efficiency and sustainable business practices.
More than 100 Finnish companies are active in India across clean energy, waste management, recycling, digital solutions and sustainable design.
Indian and Finnish companies held business-to-business discussions on investment, technology and commercial partnerships.
The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 will take place in Gandhinagar from September 15 to 18, while the India-EU Free Trade Agreement remains under review and ratification.
- Who
- Indian and Finnish policymakers, businesses and circular economy experts, including Finnish trade official Antti Herlevi and International Council for Circular Economy founder Shalini Goyal Bhalla.
- What
- They explored business, investment and technology partnerships to support resource-efficient and sustainable growth.
- Where
- The forum was held in New Delhi, India; the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 will be held in Gandhinagar.
- When
- The India Circular Economy Forum 2026 was held from August 20 to 21, 2026, with the report published on August 22, 2026.
- Why
- The discussions aimed to build resilient, competitive value chains and expand circular economy practices as India’s global trade role grows.
Key facts
- Forum
- India Circular Economy Forum 2026
- Forum dates
- August 20–21, 2026
- Main theme
- Harmonising Value Chains: The new India-EU Trade Era
- Upcoming event
- World Circular Economy Forum 2026, Gandhinagar, September 15–18
- Finnish business presence
- More than 100 Finnish companies are active in India
- India-Finland trade
- Bilateral trade rose about 25% year-on-year to $3.7 billion in 2025–26
- India-EU trade agreement
- Negotiations concluded January 27, but the agreement is still undergoing legal review and ratification
Quotes
Antti Herlevi
Counsellor for Trade and Investments at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi
“As the Indian market continues to grow rapidly, there is a significant opportunity for Finnish businesses to work alongside local partners in India across a range of fields, combining expertise and innovation to support resource-efficient and sustainable growth.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Circular economy is not just an environmental agenda; it is an economic and industrial one.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Shalini Goyal Bhalla
Founder and managing director of the International Council for Circular Economy
“India is at an important point in its circular economy transition.”
thehindubusinessline.com










