Prime Minister Modi met Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof, with discussions centring on digital innovation and emerging technologies.
Photo: X/@narendramodi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with European leaders on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, signalling India’s expanding engagement with Europe in critical technologies, trade integration, connectivity and strategic cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi met Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof, with discussions centring on digital innovation and emerging technologies.
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“Met Prime Minister Dick Schoof on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit. The Netherlands has made significant strides in the digital and AI world and our nations will work together in these sectors,” Modi said in a post on X.
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The leaders deliberated on strengthening collaboration in semiconductors, mega water projects, green hydrogen, talent mobility and counterterrorism. Officials said the Netherlands’ expertise in water management and high-tech manufacturing complements India’s infrastructure push and ambition to become a global semiconductor hub.
On the summit’s sidelines, Modi also met Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, to review the full spectrum of India–Switzerland relations.
“Had an excellent meeting with Mr. Guy Parmelin… We reviewed the full range of India-Switzerland relations, especially ways to boost linkages in education, technology and talent mobility,” Modi said.
He noted that 2026 had begun on a strong footing for India-Europe relations with the signing of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement. He further highlighted that the India–EFTA Trade Agreement has been operational since October 2025, providing fresh impetus to trade and investment flows.
The operationalisation of the India–EFTA pact is expected to enhance cooperation in pharmaceuticals, precision engineering, financial services and innovation-driven sectors.
Prime Minister Modi also held detailed talks with Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is visiting India from February 18–19, 2026, to participate in the AI Impact Summit. Mitsotakis is accompanied by Dimitrios Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance, and a senior delegation.
“Had an excellent meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis… In recent years, the India-Greece Strategic Partnership has made significant progress. Today’s talks focussed on ways to enhance ties in connectivity, defence, talent mobility and shipping. We will also work together to deepen cultural as well as people-to-people linkages,” Modi said.
The two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and discussed expanding collaboration in emerging sectors. They appreciated recent connectivity initiatives and explored the potential to expand them under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Regional and global issues of mutual interest also figured in the talks.
This marks Mitsotakis’ second visit to India, following his State visit in February 2024 — the first by a Greek Head of Government in 15 years. Prime Minister Modi had earlier visited Athens on August 25, 2023, when ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
The series of meetings at the AI Impact Summit underscores India’s growing engagement with European partners across digital transformation, semiconductor supply chains, green energy, connectivity and mobility partnerships.
With technology and trade high on the agenda, the summit served as a platform to advance India’s vision of deeper technological and economic integration with Europe, while reinforcing its position as a key global partner in the evolving AI and innovation ecosystem.
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