Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: PM Modi strengthens global partnerships, champions AI and technology diplomacy at Summit in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, signaling India’s growing influence 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. Earlier in the day, he had also held meetings with other dignitaries, further consolidating India’s global engagement agenda.
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Prime Minister Modi met Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who is visiting India from February 18–21 at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister to participate in the Summit. This marks the first-ever visit by a Croatian Prime Minister to India.
The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade and investment, science and technology, connectivity, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. They also urged early implementation of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement to boost economic engagement and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Both leaders emphasized harnessing Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies to prepare for a brighter future for their citizens. Prime Minister Modi also appreciated Croatia’s interest in India’s traditional wellness practices, including Yoga and Ayurveda.
The meeting builds on the momentum from Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Croatia in June 2025, the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Modi also met Bhutan counterpart Tshering Tobgay, who is attending the AI Impact Summit in India. The leaders reviewed progress in diverse areas of cooperation, following the outcomes of Modi’s visit to Bhutan in November 2025.
Prime Minister Tobgay thanked India for its support to Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan and the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project. Both leaders reaffirmed commitment to advance cooperation in energy, connectivity, and development partnerships. They also agreed to deepen collaboration in AI and digital technologies through sharing expertise and joint development of AI solutions.
Prime Minister Modi described the meeting as “outstanding” in a post on X:
“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.”
The Bhutanese Prime Minister’s visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two neighbours, highlighting India-Bhutan friendship based on trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi met Estonia President Alar Karis, recognizing Estonia’s global leadership in digital innovation.
In a post on X, he 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.”
The discussion reflected India’s push to partner with technologically advanced nations to drive innovation-led growth.
On the margins of the Summit, Prime Minister Modi also met Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. Appreciating Prime Minister Bektenov’s participation in the AI Impact Summit, Modi said it underscored the shared commitment of both nations to leverage technology for social good and economic growth.
The leaders reviewed cooperation in political, trade, defence, 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.”
Across all meetings, a common theme was the focus 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 signaled its intent to play a central role in shaping global norms and partnerships in the AI era.
Prime Minister Modi’s packed diplomatic engagements reflect New Delhi’s strategy of combining technological leadership with strengthened global partnerships, positioning India as a key driver of innovation-led international cooperation.
