Says “India’s Strategy to Lead the AI Revolution”
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with global leaders on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, reinforcing India’s growing role in shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
Throughout the day, the Prime Minister engaged with leaders from Europe and Asia, reviewing strategic partnerships and exploring new avenues of cooperation in technology, trade, connectivity and sustainable development.
Modi met Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who is on a visit to India from February 18 at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister, to participate in the Summit. The visit marks the first-ever visit by a Croatian PM to India.
The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas, including trade and investment, science and technology, connectivity, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties.
Recalling the conclusion of the historic India–EU Free Trade Agreement, they urged early implementation of the pact to boost bilateral trade and economic engagement. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of harnessing Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies to prepare for a brighter future for their citizens.
Modi also expressed deep appreciation for Croatia’s interest in India’s traditional wellness practices, particularly Yoga and Ayurveda.
The meeting builds on the growing momentum in bilateral ties, following Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Croatia in June 2025 — the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister.
Modi also met Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who is visiting India for the AI Impact Summit.
The two leaders reviewed progress in diverse areas of cooperation, building on the outcomes of Modi’s highly successful visit to Bhutan in November, 2025. Tobgay thanked India for its continued support to Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan and the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project.
Reaffirming their commitment to advancing cooperation in priority sectors such as energy, connectivity and development partnership, the leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in AI and digital technologies through mutual sharing of expertise and joint development of AI solutions.
In posts on X, Prime Minister Modi described the meeting as “outstanding.”
“The meeting with PM Tshering Tobgay was outstanding. We discussed how we can harness the power of AI for global good and in harmony with principles of sustainability. Our enduring India-Bhutan friendship, rooted in mutual trust, goodwill and close ties between our two peoples, continues to guide our partnership into new and transformative domains,” he wrote.
Earlier in the day, Modi met Estonian President Alar Karis, highlighting the northern European nation’s global reputation as a digital and tech leader.
In a post on X, Modi said: “Had an excellent meeting with President Alar Karis of Estonia, a nation which has made remarkable strides in tech and AI. Discussed how to add further vigour to our economic partnership, particularly in the context of the India-EU FTA, which is a historical agreement. We also talked about working together in futuristic technologies, energy management, skilling and more.”
On the margins of the Summit, the PM met his Kazakhstan counterpart Olzhas Bektenov.
Appreciating Bektenov’s participation in the AI Impact Summit, Modi said it underscored the two nation’s shared commitment to leverage technology for social good and economic growth.
The leaders reviewed cooperation in political, trade, defence and security, connectivity, energy, emerging technologies and people-to-people exchanges.
In a post on X, Modi stated: “Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and I met earlier today. His visit will further deepen India-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership. There is immense scope for bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, critical minerals, rare earths, defence, connectivity and space. We will keep working together to take our friendship to new heights.”
Modi also met Spanish President Pedro Sanchez and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
Modi described his meeting with Sanchez as “productive,” noting that they explored avenues to enhance cooperation across key sectors.
“Had a productive meeting with President Pedro Sanchez in Delhi. Discussed ways to boost the India-Spain friendship, especially in areas such as defence, security, technology and more,” Modi said on X.
The leaders also underscored the significance of 2026 being marked as the India–Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI.
In a separate engagement, Modi held extensive discussions with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, focusing on trade expansion and future technologies.
“Thanked him for his personal support to the India-EU FTA, which ushers in a golden era in India-Europe relations,” Modi said, underlining the broader significance of the trade pact in strengthening India’s ties with the European bloc.
Across all meetings, a common thread was the emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies as engines of growth, sustainability and inclusive development.
By bringing together leaders from Europe and Asia at the AI Impact Summit, India signalled its intent to play a central role in shaping global norms and partnerships in the AI era.
The Prime Minister’s packed diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the Summit reflect New Delhi’s strategy of combining technological leadership with strengthened strategic partnerships, positioning India as a key driver of innovation-led global cooperation.
