Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held separate meetings with President of Spain Pedro Sanchez and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo in New Delhi, stating that the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has ushered in a “golden era” in India-Europe relations.
During his meeting with President Sánchez, Modi discussed ways to further strengthen India-Spain ties, particularly in defence, security and technology.
“Our nations are marking 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI. This will deepen people-to-people linkages. Glad to see a big delegation of Universities also come to India. This, too, will go a long way in connecting our people,” Modi said in a post on X.
“The historic FTA with the EU will have a very positive impact on the economic partnership with Spain and provide new opportunities to the people of our nations,” he added.
India and the European Union sealed the landmark FTA on January 27, creating a combined market of 2 billion people.
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According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi and Sánchez reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, technology, infrastructure, climate and renewable energy, defence and security, space, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. They welcomed progress in the Tata-Airbus collaboration for the C-295 transport aircraft final assembly line at Vadodara, inaugurated in October 2024.
Both leaders highlighted the high potential of the India-Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence, being celebrated to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. They also stressed the importance of defence industrial collaboration through co-development and co-production and reiterated strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms.
Sánchez, who is on an official visit from February 18 to 19, congratulated Modi on organising the AI Impact Summit and emphasised the need for human-centric AI governance.
On the margins of the AI Impact Summit, Prime Minister Modi also met Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on February 18 in New Delhi.
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The two leaders welcomed the recent conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement during the 16th India–EU Summit, describing it as a catalyst for shared progress and prosperity. They committed to further strengthening bilateral ties under the India–EU Strategic Partnership framework.
Modi thanked Orpo for his personal support to the India–EU FTA, saying it “ushers in a golden era” in India-Europe relations.
The leaders underscored the pivotal role of digitalisation and sustainability in driving future economic growth and development. They recognised the growing presence of leading technology companies from both countries in each other’s economies through expanded operations and partnerships. The Finnish Prime Minister applauded India’s vision for just and inclusive AI development.
Both sides called for doubling bilateral trade and enhancing technology collaboration, including co-development in quantum technologies, 6G, renewable energy, circular economy and defence sectors.
They also exchanged views on regional and global developments and discussed strengthening cooperation in global governance. The leaders expressed their intent to meet again at the 3rd India-Nordic Summit later this year to further advance bilateral engagement.
Sánchez and Orpo are in India to attend the India AI Impact Expo 2026, which brings together global technology firms, startups, academia, research institutions and policymakers. The summit has drawn participation from over 20 heads of state, 60 ministers and 500 global AI leaders.
