Finland to Open New Honorary Consulate in Ahmedabad from June 9 – What It Means for Travellers & Businesses
Finland is taking a major step to deepen its ties with India by opening a new Honorary Consulate in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Set to launch on June 9, this diplomatic initiative is poised to strengthen connections in trade, technology, education, and cultural exchange—especially in the western region of India.
A Stronger Finnish Presence in Gujarat
The new consulate will expand Finland’s reach in India, particularly in Gujarat, which is seen as a rising hub for innovation and enterprise. The consulate will serve as a bridge between the Nordic nation and regional stakeholders, supporting bilateral cooperation across key sectors including:
- Digitalisation
- Sustainability
- Education
- Technology and Innovation
High-Level Delegation to Mark the Launch
The inauguration will be attended by Kimmo Lähdevirta, Finland’s Ambassador to India, along with a prominent Finnish business delegation. Their presence highlights Gujarat’s strategic importance in Finland’s expanding footprint in India.
Kulin Lalbhai Appointed Honorary Consul
Respected Indian industrialist Kulin Lalbhai has been appointed as the Honorary Consul in Ahmedabad. His appointment underlines Finland’s intention to foster long-term, people-driven partnerships in Gujarat’s business and innovation ecosystem.
Honorary consulates differ from full diplomatic missions—they typically focus on promoting bilateral ties and assisting citizens in emergencies. Some also provide limited visa-related support, although full visa processing may not be available initially.
Will You Be Able to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Ahmedabad?
As of now, the new consulate is not confirmed to process Schengen visa applications. However, its presence will likely improve access to consular assistance for residents of Gujarat and surrounding regions. This is especially significant, given the high demand for Schengen visas among Indian citizens.
India’s Schengen Visa Demand in 2024: A Quick Snapshot
India continues to rank among the top three countries globally for Schengen visa applications. Here’s how Indian applicants fared in 2024:
| Country | Applications from India | Visas Approved | Rejection Rate |
| Finland | 17,762 | 13,878 | ~21.8% |
| Switzerland | 217,373 | 191,162 | ~12% |
| France | 197,959 | 165,564 | ~16.3% |
| Germany | 142,955 | 126,812 | ~11.3% |
While Finland handles fewer applications than other Schengen states, its role in India’s visa ecosystem is becoming more relevant with growing interest in travel and collaboration.
What This Means for Indians in Gujarat
The establishment of the Finnish Honorary Consulate in Ahmedabad could open up new possibilities, including:
- Easier access to consular support without needing to travel to Delhi or Mumbai
- Greater visibility of Finland as a destination for travel, education, and investment
- Enhanced business and academic partnerships between Gujarat and Finnish institutions
- A potential pathway to localized visa support in the future
Final Thoughts
Finland’s move to open a consulate in Ahmedabad is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a practical step toward deeper engagement with India. For entrepreneurs, students, and travellers in Gujarat, this could be the start of easier access to Finnish innovation, education, and business ecosystems.
Stay tuned for updates on visa services and further developments as the consulate begins operations.
For more details please contact my team. Thanks Regards
+91 63806 92148
+91 63015 50340
