New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday engaged in a packed round of bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit, underscoring India’s growing diplomatic and technological outreach.
At Hyderabad House, the Prime Minister met Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, with both leaders reviewing the full spectrum of India–Spain ties. According to the External Affairs Ministry, discussions focused on trade and economy, digital innovation, health, climate action and education.
In a social media post, Modi said the two sides explored ways to strengthen cooperation in defence, security and technology. He also appreciated Spain’s consistent backing for stronger India–EU relations, noting that the recently concluded India–EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to significantly boost economic engagement with Spain.
Had a productive meeting with President Pedro Sánchez in Delhi. Discussed ways to boost the India-Spain friendship, especially in areas such as defence, security, technology and more. Our nations are marking 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI. This will… pic.twitter.com/AAG6nssd3F
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2026
The Prime Minister highlighted that 2026 will be celebrated as the India–Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI, a move aimed at deepening people-to-people connections. He also welcomed the large Spanish university delegation visiting India.
Finland: Focus on Responsible AI
Modi also held talks with Finnish Prime Minister Antti Petteri Orpo, with both leaders emphasising collaboration in sustainability, digitalisation and AI research.
The Prime Minister commended Finland’s emergence as an innovation hub in artificial intelligence. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to responsible, talent-driven AI and discussed leveraging technology-led solutions for a sustainable future.
They agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade and expanding cooperation in futuristic domains such as 6G, clean energy, biofuels, innovation and the circular economy.
Serbia, Croatia: Expanding Strategic Engagement
On the Summit’s sidelines, Modi met Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. The leaders explored avenues to deepen cooperation across trade and investment, AI, fintech, education, agriculture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, while also sharing views on regional and global developments.
The Prime Minister also held bilateral talks with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, continuing India’s outreach in the European region.
Estonia: Boost to Digital Partnership
In his meeting with Estonian President Alar Karis, Modi reviewed the full range of India–Estonia relations, with particular focus on digital technologies and stronger people-to-people ties.
Both leaders welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the India–EU FTA and called for its early implementation, noting its potential to drive growth, create jobs and deliver tangible economic gains. They also appreciated the adoption of the Joint India–EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda and exchanged views on key global and regional issues.
Kazakhstan: Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Modi’s meeting with Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov centred on deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Discussions covered trade, defence and security, connectivity, energy cooperation, emerging technologies and cultural exchanges.
Bhutan: Human-Centric AI Cooperation
During talks with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, the two leaders reviewed progress in energy cooperation, connectivity, development partnership and people-to-people ties.
Both sides endorsed the use of AI for inclusive, human-centric development and agreed to expand collaboration in digital and AI domains. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India–Bhutan partnership built on trust and mutual respect.
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,… pic.twitter.com/oWBUXmR7EW
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2026
Meeting with Google CEO
Earlier in the day, Modi met Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who is in New Delhi for the Summit. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said discussions centred on India’s AI initiatives and potential collaboration between Google and India’s talented students and professionals.
The series of high-level engagements reflects India’s push to position itself as a key global player in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape.
