Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday underscored the need for deeper cooperation to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for inclusive development, against the backdrop of strong European participation in the India-hosted AI Impact Summit.
Eleven European nations — including France, the Netherlands, Spain, Estonia and Switzerland — are represented at the summit by heads of state or government. In total, 26 European countries are taking part, with 12 represented at the ministerial level, reflecting Europe’s prominent role in digital governance and responsible AI frameworks. The European Union (EU) is widely seen as a global norm-setter in AI regulation.
During their meeting on the margins of the summit, Sánchez highlighted the importance of the event and said its outcomes would help shape global AI governance, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The two leaders acknowledged AI as a transformative force and supported closer collaboration to ensure that its benefits reach all sections of society.
“We share the need to continue taking steps towards an AI that puts people at the centre,” Sánchez said in a social media post, adding that Spain aims to be present “where the world is changing at high speed,” and that India is one such place.
Modi noted that 2026 will be marked as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI, saying the initiative would deepen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The leaders also reviewed progress in bilateral relations across defence, security, trade, investment, infrastructure and space. They expressed satisfaction over the Tata-Airbus collaboration for the C-295 military transport aircraft assembly line in Vadodara.
Regional and global issues also figured in the talks. The two sides welcomed Spain’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and hailed the conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). They strongly condemned all forms of terrorism and called for enhanced global cooperation to combat the menace.
The implementation of the India-EU FTA, which is expected to be ratified later this year, featured prominently in Modi’s meetings with other European leaders, including Petteri Orpo, Andrej Plenkovic and Alar Karis.
EU leaders conveyed unanimous support for early implementation of the FTA and assured India of their backing for speedy ratification in the European Council and European Parliament. They also emphasised enhancing trade ties by leveraging the agreement.
The EU, the first bloc to enact comprehensive AI legislation, continues to play a key role in shaping global standards. France, a close strategic partner of India, is active in AI governance and applications, while countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium host critical companies in the semiconductor supply chain.
In his meeting with Karis, Modi welcomed the strategic upswing in India-EU ties and reviewed collaboration in IT, digitalisation, cybersecurity and the use of AI in education and skilling.
Finnish Prime Minister Orpo praised India’s vision for inclusive AI development, with both sides calling for doubling bilateral trade and enhancing cooperation in quantum computing, 6G, renewable energy and defence.
Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic — the first head of government from Croatia to visit India — explored avenues to boost cooperation in trade, technology and connectivity, and reiterated support for early implementation of the FTA.
Modi also met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to discuss collaboration in trade, investment, AI, fintech and education, and acknowledged mutual support at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.
During his interaction with Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Modi highlighted shared commitments to leveraging technology for economic growth. Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay thanked India for its support to Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan and the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, envisioned as a hub for innovation and sustainable trade.
The summit underlined India’s growing role as a key stakeholder in global AI governance, with Europe emerging as a significant partner in shaping a responsible and inclusive digital future.