Modi meets Spanish, Finnish leaders to boost trade, AI cooperation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held back-to-back diplomatic meetings Wednesday with the leaders of Spain and Finland, discussing expanded cooperation in trade, technology, and sustainable development. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, visiting India to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026, met with Modi in New Delhi for wide-ranging talks aimed at deepening bilateral ties, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Deepening India-Spain Economic Partnership

Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal stated on X that discussions covered "trade and economy, digital, innovation, health, climate action and education among others." Modi expressed appreciation for Spain's consistent support for stronger India-European Union relations. Spain currently ranks as India's sixth-largest trading partner within the EU, with bilateral goods trade reaching $9.32 billion in 2024—underscoring the economic significance of the partnership that both leaders committed to further expanding.

India-Finland Talks on AI and Talent Collaboration

Separately, Modi met with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo for discussions focused on next-generation technologies and sustainable solutions. The leaders explored "cooperation in sustainability and digitalization, AI research and ethical innovation and how Indian talent can strengthen bilateral collaboration," Jaiswal reported. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to "advancing responsible, talent-driven AI and harnessing tech-enabled solutions for a sustainable future," reflecting Finland's expertise in technology and India's vast pool of skilled professionals as complementary assets for joint innovation.

Strategic Alignment at AI Impact Summit

The diplomatic engagements on the margins of the AI Impact Summit highlight India's growing role as a hub for global technology dialogue and its strategic importance to European partners seeking collaboration in emerging fields. The meetings also underscore New Delhi's efforts to deepen bilateral relationships with EU member states individually, complementing its broader engagement with European institutions. For both Spain and Finland, India represents not only a significant market but also a partner in shaping the future of artificial intelligence governance and sustainable technology development.