Mika Sulkinoja, senior lead of Finland’s International Programmes Circular Economy at the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, highlighted the global shift towards strategic autonomy, particularly in managing critical minerals. Speaking at a roadshow in Ahmedabad, he noted that nations are keen to retain materials within their societies to reduce dependency on foreign sources. This trend is particularly relevant in discussions about electronic waste and the circular economy. The roadshow served as a precursor to the World Circular Economy Forum 2026, which will take place in Gandhinagar, India, and aims to foster collaboration between Finnish and Indian companies. Dr. Antti Herlevi from the Finnish Embassy stated that Finland intends to double its trade with India by 2030, emphasizing the importance of business meetings and partnerships to achieve this goal. However, he pointed out that India faces challenges in transitioning to a circular economy due to existing linear policy frameworks that make recycled materials more expensive than virgin materials. The Finnish delegation is actively promoting circular economy solutions that can benefit various sectors in India, including textiles and automobiles.