New Delhi, February 18 – Estonian President Alar Karis stated on Wednesday that India's global influence is rising, highlighting the country's growing role in the changing world order.
"India's global influence is growing, boosted by the EU-India free trade deal. I discussed the changing world order and how new technology affects democracy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I welcomed India's decision to reduce imports of Russian fossil fuels and increase pressure to end aggression against Ukraine," Karis posted on X after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
During the bilateral meeting, both leaders reaffirmed the India-Estonia relationship and explored new opportunities for cooperation in technology, trade, and global affairs.
Karis arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to attend the India-AI Impact Summit. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X, stating, "This visit will further strengthen the longstanding India-Estonia ties."
Karis also spoke at two high-level events organized by Estonia in New Delhi, together with UNICEF and the Netherlands, which focused on the use of AI in education and the economy.
He mentioned that Estonia started with Artificial Intelligence in the field of education. "It is important to understand that Artificial Intelligence will change learning and education. It is not the technology itself, but the people, teachers, and students who will make it happen," said the Estonian Head of State.
The Estonian President is accompanied on the visit by a business delegation.
The AI Impact Summit is one of the most important international AI forums, with over 15,000 participants expected. The summit follows the AI Summit held in Paris the previous year and is the first time that such a large-scale AI summit has been organized by a country in the Global South, bringing more regional perspectives to the international debate. The focus of the summit is on inclusive, responsible and socially impactful AI, and strengthening international cooperation in a rapidly changing technological environment.
As India hosts the AI Impact Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the event is aimed at bringing the world together to discuss Artificial Intelligence. He welcomed world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the globe to participate in the summit.
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Bringing the world together to discuss AI! Starting today, India hosts the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. I warmly welcome world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the world for this Summit. The theme of the Summit is Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya or welfare for all, happiness for all, reflecting our shared commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence for human-centric progress."
He said AI is transforming several sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance.
"AI today is transforming several sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and enterprise. The AI Impact Summit will enrich global discourse on diverse aspects of AI, such as innovation, collaboration, responsible use and more. I am confident that the outcomes of the Summit will help shape a future that is progressive, innovative and opportunity-driven," PM Modi said.
Earlier in February 2025, Estonian President Alar Karis emphasised India's important role in the international arena during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the Artificial Intelligence Summit in Paris.
In what was their first meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and shared views on global conflicts.
They underlined that warm and friendly relations between India and Estonia are based on the two countries' shared commitment to democracy, rule of law and the values of freedom and pluralism.