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"Digital divide is going to be the biggest threat in future. Going forward, I expect more such co-operations between Finland and India in terms of science, technology and innovation. This centre will be equally important for India and Finland's economic growth," said Vanhanen in Bangalore on Saturday.

The new facility, equipped with telepresence, hosts one of the three remote testing laboratories of the company.

Urs Pennanen, head, India Operations, Nokia Siemens, said: "India, where about 5,000 base stations are being added every month, is one of the most dynamic telecom markets owing to its huge talent pool and open market strategy. We have about 1,500 base stations here. The new facility is in line with our commitment to invest in India "

NSN R&D, which has a workforce of about 2,300, has shifted over half of its R&D fraternity to the new centre and expects to shift the rest during second phase of development in August.