AI Summit – Slovakia and India Deepen Ties at AI Meet
AI Summit – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini held wide-ranging talks in New Delhi on Friday, marking a significant step forward in relations between the two nations. The meeting took place alongside the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and underscored growing cooperation in technology, trade, and innovation.
President Pellegrini praised the organisation of the global AI gathering, describing it as exceptionally managed and impactful. He later referred to his formal talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House as a turning point in Slovakia–India relations.
Leaders Review Expanding Bilateral Partnership
During their discussions, both leaders assessed the full scope of cooperation between India and Slovakia. Areas of focus included trade and investment, digital transformation, defence collaboration, space research, energy partnerships, and cultural exchanges.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides welcomed renewed energy in India–European Union engagement, particularly following the progress made under the India–EU Free Trade Agreement and the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda 2030. The leaders agreed that these frameworks could further open avenues for business, technology transfer, and innovation-driven growth.
Digital collaboration emerged as a key priority. Both governments expressed interest in advancing cooperation in secure technologies, innovation ecosystems, and skill development, particularly in emerging sectors linked to artificial intelligence and clean energy.
First Slovak Head of State Reception in India
President Pellegrini noted that the visit marked the first official reception of a Slovak Head of State in India, calling it a historic milestone. He emphasised that the talks reflected a shared commitment to strengthening ties at both governmental and people-to-people levels.
In a message shared after the meeting, the Slovak President said the AI summit had successfully brought together global leaders, innovators, and industry stakeholders to explore responsible AI expansion. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that artificial intelligence remains accessible and beneficial to broader society rather than being limited to a small segment.
The leaders also explored practical outcomes in trade and investment, with attention to innovation-driven industries. Discussions included collaboration in secure digital infrastructure, academic exchanges, and expert partnerships in the energy sector.
Focus on Responsible and Inclusive AI
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, themed “Welfare for all, happiness of all,” aims to reinforce India’s role as a global hub for artificial intelligence development. The initiative seeks to promote AI systems that contribute to inclusive growth while addressing global challenges such as sustainability and social equity.
Seven working groups have been established under three guiding pillars—People, Planet, and Progress. These groups are tasked with delivering measurable outcomes across sectors ranging from economic development to environmental resilience.
Key themes under discussion include AI-driven economic growth, democratizing access to AI resources, promoting social inclusion, strengthening trusted and safe AI frameworks, building human capital, advancing scientific research, and fostering resilience and efficiency through innovation.
Broad Global Participation
The summit has drawn participation from more than 500 global AI leaders, including chief executives, technology heads, researchers, and philanthropic leaders. Around 100 CEOs and founders, 150 academicians and researchers, and 400 senior technology executives are attending the event.
Government representation has also been substantial, with over 100 delegates participating, including more than 20 Heads of State and Government as well as dozens of ministers and vice ministers.
The presence of high-level international representatives reflects the growing strategic importance of artificial intelligence in shaping economic and technological futures. For India and Slovakia, the summit provided an opportunity not only to engage in multilateral dialogue but also to strengthen their bilateral partnership through concrete and forward-looking commitments.
As both countries explore deeper collaboration in digital technologies and innovation, Friday’s meeting signals a new chapter in diplomatic and economic engagement built on shared priorities and global cooperation.