Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral meetings with leaders of European Union member states on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, emphasizing early implementation of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to strengthen economic and strategic ties.

During his meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, both leaders reviewed India–Croatia relations and explored cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, information and communication technologies, innovation, and clean energy. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two sides agreed to work toward the early operationalisation of the India–EU FTA, viewing it as a catalyst for expanding bilateral and regional engagement.

Prime Minister Modi also acknowledged the growing interest in Croatia for Indology, yoga, and Ayurveda, highlighting the cultural dimension of the partnership.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi met Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, thanking him for his personal support for the India–EU FTA. In a post on X, the Prime Minister described the agreement as ushering in a “golden era” in India–Europe relations. Both leaders expressed their intention to double bilateral trade and deepen cooperation in sustainability, digitalisation, and ethical AI innovation.

Discussions with Finland also covered collaboration in advanced and future-oriented technologies, including 6G, clean energy, biofuels, circular economy initiatives, and innovation ecosystems.

Negotiations for the India–EU FTA were concluded on January 26, aiming to establish one of the world’s largest trading blocs, covering nearly two billion people. The agreement seeks to reduce tariffs on goods such as automobiles, alcoholic beverages, and food products, improve market access for services, and enhance cooperation in clean technology and digital trade.

Often referred to as the “Mother of All Deals,” the FTA includes phased tariff reductions while safeguarding sensitive sectors in India, including dairy and agriculture. Officials believe its implementation will significantly boost trade, investment flows, and strategic alignment between India and the European Union.

The meetings at the AI Impact Summit underscored India’s broader push to integrate trade diplomacy with emerging technology collaboration, reinforcing its growing engagement with European partners.