Switzerland, Estonia Highlight Strong AI Collaboration Prospects with India at Global Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Wednesday at Hyderabad House, with Orpo in India to attend the ongoing AI India Impact Summit 2026 in the national capital.

Earlier in the day, Modi also received Spanish President Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon and Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the meeting between Modi and President Sanchez included discussions on trade and economy, digital cooperation, innovation, health, climate action and education among other areas.

PM Modi conveyed his appreciation for Spain’s consistent support for strong India-EU relations.

Several global leaders also arrived in the national capital for the summit, including Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay, Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch.

What did Guy Parmelin say about India-Switzerland collaboration in AI research and innovation?

Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed strong support for India’s vision of a safe, inclusive and impactful artificial intelligence ecosystem during his participation in the summit.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Parmelin said, "Switzerland very much welcomes and supports the focus of the AI Impact Summit which is well presented in the three Sutras: People, Progress, Planet."

"We fully agree that we need to develop and use AI in a way that everyone in the world can benefit from the potential that AI offers. This includes economic and societal progress for everyone. At the same time we need to make sure that we respect our planet as the basis of all lives and that AI is developed and used in a sustainable way," he added.

Highlighting Switzerland’s admiration for India’s growing AI capabilities, he stated, "We admire how India has developed into a powerful player in AI research and innovation. Switzerland sees significant potential for deepening collaboration with India," adding, "I am delighted to see Swiss startups here at the summit bringing bold ideas, cutting edge technologies, and a strong spirit of innovation to explore new opportunities for collaboration with Indian partners."

On responsible innovation, Parmelin noted shared values, saying, "With respect to responsible innovation in AI, Switzerland and India share the common belief that we need to ensure that AI is used for the public good--supporting inclusive economic growth, social progress, sustainability, and solutions that benefit society at large."

"We attach great importance to close cooperation with India in the developments regarding the creation of international and multilateral agreements on the governance of AI," he added.

He further said that the outcomes of the summit would shape the agenda for the next global gathering expected to be hosted by Switzerland in 2027.

How will AI Impact Summit principles guide international AI collaboration and global dialogue?

"Switzerland thinks that the principles established at the AI Impact Summit here in Delhi provide good guidance for international collaboration: development of human capital; broadening access for social empowerment; trustworthiness of AI systems; energy efficiency of AI systems; use of AI in science; democratizing AI resources; and use of AI for economic growth and social good," he explained.

"These should also feed into the global dialogue on AI which the UN will organize this summer in Geneva. In addition, we will also build on the structures for voluntary cooperation established in Delhi to advance these principles," he added.

On the broader bilateral economic partnership strengthened by the recently concluded India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), Parmelin highlighted enhanced market access for Swiss exports and services.

"India grants Switzerland significantly improved market access for around 95% of current Swiss exports (not including gold). Swiss watches and most categories of machinery already benefit from zero duty access, and a substantial share of chemical products is likewise treated favourably," he said.

"Regarding services, Switzerland benefits from improved access for its financial sector, where India now allows higher foreign equity limits and clearer licensing procedures. The agreement also facilitates the temporary entry of installation and maintenance specialists, enabling Swiss firms to support their equipment locally," he further noted.

How is Switzerland positioning itself on global AI governance alongside India?

Addressing global AI governance, Parmelin emphasised joint efforts to promote safe, transparent and inclusive norms while prioritising innovation.

"Switzerland has been very actively participating in many international fora that develop binding and non-binding technical, legal and ethical standards for the development and use of AI. Switzerland is willing to continue to closely cooperate with India in all of these fields," he affirmed.

He also highlighted Switzerland’s leadership in the Council of Europe framework convention on AI, describing it as "the first international legally binding treaty on AI and offers not only a legal instrument, but a framework for global cooperation regarding democracy, human rights and the rule of law when it comes to AI."

"While more and more countries from the global south, including Brazil, have joined the process, we would like to encourage India to consider joining this work, too. And of course, we look forward to working with India to shape the upcoming UN dialogue on AI," Parmelin concluded.

Separately, Marje Luup, Ambassador of Estonia to India, underscored deepening cooperation between India and Estonia in digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

Speaking to ANI, Luup said, "We are very happy that the President of Estonia is in India for the AI Summit. Estonia is often called e-Estonia, and now we are also moving forward with AI."

"He introduced a new program called AI Leap, which is about bringing AI to schools," she added.

Luup further noted Estonia’s active engagement, stating, "And of course, we are planning to participate actively in the AI Summit. Tomorrow we will have two side events where the President will speak."

Framing AI collaboration as a shared frontier, she concluded, "So this is a topic of common interest, common concern, common possibility."

(With inputs from ANI)