President Alar Karis stated that India’s global stature is steadily ascending following his meeting with Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
He observed that India’s influence has strengthened within the evolving international order.
In a message posted on X, President Karis noted that India’s rising weight has gained momentum through the EU-India free trade agreement.
India’s global weight is rising—boosted by the EU–India free trade deal. I spoke with @narendramodi about the changing world order & how new technology affects democracy. I welcomed India cutting Russian fossil fuel imports, increasing pressure to end aggression against Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/gxGUSMXLv2
— Alar Karis (@AlarKaris) February 18, 2026
He said he discussed geopolitical shifts and the impact of emerging technologies on democratic systems with Prime Minister Modi.
Alar Karis also welcomed India’s reduction of Russian fossil fuel imports, stating that the move increases international pressure to end aggression against Ukraine.
During the bilateral engagement, both leaders reaffirmed strong India-Estonia relations.
Expanding Strategic Engagement
They explored expanded cooperation in technology, trade, and multilateral affairs.
President Karis arrived in New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted at Bharat Mandapam.
Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, received him at the airport.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the visit would further consolidate longstanding bilateral ties.
President Karis addressed two high-level events organised jointly by Estonia, UNICEF and the Netherlands.
These discussions examined the application of artificial intelligence in education and the broader economy.
He stated that Estonia initiated AI integration within its education sector. He emphasised that educators and students, not technology alone, will shape learning outcomes.
The Estonian President travelled with a business delegation to strengthen commercial engagement.
The AI Impact Summit represents one of the largest international AI platforms, with more than 15,000 participants expected.
It follows the AI Summit held in Paris last year. India hosts this large-scale forum for the first time in the Global South, expanding regional representation in global AI discourse.
The summit prioritises inclusive, responsible and socially beneficial AI, alongside enhanced international cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi stated that the summit aims to unite global stakeholders. He welcomed heads of state, industry leaders, innovators and policymakers.
He underscored the theme “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya,” emphasising welfare and progress for all.
PM Modi noted that AI is transforming healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and enterprise.
Earlier, in February 2025, both leaders met during the AI Summit in Paris.
They discussed cybersecurity cooperation and global conflicts. They reaffirmed shared commitments to democracy, the rule of law, and pluralistic values.
Also Read: India-France Accord: From Import Reliance To Managed Global Supply Chain Integration
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
