From World Leaders To Tech Titans: PM Modi Holds 9 Back-To-Back Meetings In A Day

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 19:46 IST

Meetings with leaders from Europe, Central Asia and neighbours focus on AI, trade, technology and the India-EU FTA.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of back-to-back bilateral meetings with global counterparts on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Wednesday, signalling a day of fast-paced diplomacy centred on technology, trade and strategic cooperation.

The discussions spanned partners across Europe, Central Asia and India’s neighbourhood, with artificial intelligence, economic ties and the India-EU Free Trade Agreement emerging as recurring themes.

Bhutan

Calling his interaction with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay “outstanding", PM Modi said the two sides explored collaboration in emerging technologies.

“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."

Kazakhstan

PM Modi described his meeting with Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov as a step towards strengthening the strategic partnership.

“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."

Estonia

Highlighting Estonia’s digital strengths, PM Modi said the talks focused on expanding economic engagement.

“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."

Croatia

With Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, discussions centred on connectivity and emerging sectors.

“Held fruitful discussions with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Mr. Andrej Plenković. We discussed how to add momentum to our bilateral partnership in areas such as technology, innovation, shipbuilding, blue economy and boosting connectivity through the IMEEC corridor. Also expressed gratitude for his personal support to the India-EU FTA, which will bring unprecedented progress for people in India as well as Europe."

PM Modi said cooperation with Serbia continues to expand across industrial sectors.

“Met President Aleksandar Vučić on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit. We discussed ways to deepen cooperation in areas such as defence, manufacturing, DPI, fertilisers and infrastructure. For many years, India and Serbia have worked closely and I am confident our ties will gain even more momentum in the times to come."

Technology Industry

PM Modi also met Google CEO Sundar Pichai, focusing on talent and innovation.

“It was a delight to meet Mr. Sundar Pichai on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. Talked about the work India is doing in AI and how Google can work with our talented students and professionals in this field."

PM Modi also met Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm.

Finland

Talks with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasised trade expansion and advanced technologies.

“Held extensive discussions with the Prime Minister of Finland, Mr. Petteri Orpo. Thanked him for his personal support to the India-EU FTA, which ushers in a golden era in India-Europe relations. India and Finland aim to double trade, thus giving a strong boost to economic linkages. We also talked about enhancing cooperation in futuristic technologies like 6G, innovation, clean energy, biofuels, circular economy and more."

Spain

PM Modi said his meeting with Spanish President Pedro Sánchez focused on broadening ties and people-to-people links.

“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 deepen people-to-people linkages. Glad to see a big delegation of Universities also come to India. This too will go a long way in connecting our people. The historic FTA with the EU will have a very positive impact on the economic partnership with Spain and provide new opportunities to the people of our nations."

News world From World Leaders To Tech Titans: PM Modi Holds 9 Back-To-Back Meetings In A Day

Read More