Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Alar Karis of the Republic of Estonia on February 11, 2025, on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris. This marked the first-ever bilateral meeting between the two leaders, emphasizing the strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between India and Estonia.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi and President Karis reaffirmed the strong and friendly relations between India and Estonia, which are anchored in their shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and pluralistic values. They expressed satisfaction over the expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including:
- Trade and investment
- Information technology and digital innovation
- Cybersecurity collaboration
- Cultural and tourism exchanges
- People-to-people ties
Prime Minister Modi invited Estonian businesses and the government to explore investment opportunities in India and leverage initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, and Start-up India. The leaders also discussed Estonia’s global expertise in e-governance and digital transformation, emphasizing potential avenues for collaboration in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Boosting India-EU Strategic Partnership
The meeting also underlined the significance of the India-Estonia partnership within the broader framework of India’s ties with the European Union (EU). Both leaders welcomed the ongoing ministerial exchanges under the India-Nordic-Baltic format, highlighting its role in enhancing regional cooperation, trade facilitation, and digital governance.
They further exchanged views on global security challenges, multilateral cooperation at the United Nations, and shared regional interests.
Deepening Cultural and People-to-People Connections
Prime Minister Modi and President Karis welcomed the growing cultural ties between India and Estonia. In particular, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the rising popularity of Yoga in Estonia, reflecting the deepening of India’s cultural influence in the Baltic region.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for collaboration, particularly in technology, innovation, and sustainable development.