AI Summit – Sweden Backs Long-Term Technology Partnership with India
AI Summit – Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch has described India as a vital long-term partner, signalling stronger collaboration in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies during her visit to New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Busch, who also holds the portfolio of Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, is leading a Swedish business delegation to the summit. Speaking on Wednesday, she emphasised that Sweden views India as a key ally in shaping next-generation technologies. According to her, cooperation between the two nations is expected to expand in areas such as AI research, innovation ecosystems, and emerging digital solutions.
Her visit includes meetings with senior Indian ministers and industry representatives aimed at exploring deeper economic and technological ties. The trip comes shortly after the conclusion of the long-negotiated India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, a development seen as opening new avenues for trade and investment between India and European countries, including Sweden.
Focus on Long-Term Innovation Partnership
Busch underlined that Sweden is keen to build sustained engagement with India, particularly in sectors driving the future global economy. She noted that collaboration in artificial intelligence and clean technologies aligns with the shared priorities of both countries.
Industry observers say Sweden’s participation in the summit reflects growing interest among European businesses in India’s expanding digital market. With India investing heavily in AI infrastructure and research, global partnerships are expected to play a significant role in advancing innovation and industrial competitiveness.
AI Impact Expo Extended by One Day
Meanwhile, the government has extended the India AI Impact Expo by an additional day in response to strong public interest. The exhibition, being held at Bharat Mandapam, will now remain open until Saturday, February 21.
The announcement was made by S Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), on Wednesday. He stated that the decision was taken to allow more students, startups, and technology professionals to experience the event.
However, the expo will remain closed to the general public on Thursday due to security arrangements linked to VIP movements and the Leaders’ Plenary session of the summit. On that day, entry will be restricted to invited dignitaries, official delegates, and accredited media representatives.
Organisers expect the additional day to help accommodate the large turnout, particularly from young innovators and entrepreneurs keen to explore developments in artificial intelligence, digital governance, and next-generation applications.
Culture Ministry Plans AI-Based Search Platform
In a related digital initiative, the Ministry of Culture is preparing to launch an AI-powered search engine designed to bring together content from its main website and around 30 affiliated platforms under a single interface.
Officials familiar with the plan said the system aims to create a unified digital gateway, allowing users to access cultural resources more efficiently. By integrating multiple databases and archives, the platform is expected to deliver faster and more accurate search results.
The proposed tool is intended to serve a wide range of users, including researchers, academic institutions, and the general public. By streamlining access to heritage data, archives, and cultural programmes, the ministry hopes to enhance its digital outreach and improve user experience.
To implement the project, the ministry plans to onboard a technology partner with expertise in artificial intelligence and large-scale data integration. The move is part of a broader effort to modernise government services through digital transformation and intelligent systems.
As discussions at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 continue, the emphasis on global collaboration and domestic digital innovation highlights India’s growing role in the international technology landscape.