President Droupadi Murmu met President Alar Karis of the Republic of Estonia on Thursday, welcoming him on his first visit to India as head of state and emphasising the warm and friendly relations between the two countries.
The President described bilateral ties as firmly anchored in shared democratic values, respect for international law, and a common commitment to a rules-based global order.
President Murmu highlighted Estonia’s significant contributions to the digital and AI domains, noting that its participation in the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 adds substantial value to the event, particularly in light of Estonia’s leadership in AI and education.
Both leaders affirmed their shared conviction that artificial intelligence must serve as a force for global good. President Murmu stressed that, amid growing global uncertainties, cooperation between India and Estonia in cybersecurity and the safe deployment of AI carries added importance. She expressed satisfaction with the meaningful collaboration already underway in the digital sector, pointing out that Estonia excels in technology and IT while India boasts a vibrant startup ecosystem. She suggested that combining Estonia’s technological expertise with India’s dynamic startup landscape could bring mutual benefits.
President Murmu noted that India-EU relations have now entered a phase of strategic momentum and that India deeply values its ties with the EU and its member states. She appreciated Estonia’s support for the successful conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which she said promises to open new avenues for engagement.
The two presidents agreed that immense potential exists to further deepen bilateral cooperation. They welcomed the intensification of high-level exchanges in recent years, particularly in technology, digital governance, and trade expansion, and expressed confidence that President Karis’s visit will help sustain this positive momentum in India-Estonia relations.
