New Delhi witnessed a pivotal diplomatic engagement on Thursday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit, focused intensely on deepening cooperation in artificial intelligence, a field poised to reshape global economies.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the historic ties between India and the UAE, noting both leaders’ satisfaction with progress across various sectors. Discussions zeroed in on strategies to amplify joint efforts in AI, reflecting the growing synergy between the two nations in cutting-edge technology.
Sheikh Khalid, representing UAE President, arrived in New Delhi late Wednesday for the summit. He received a warm welcome at the airport from Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Chandrashekhar Pemmasani. The MEA’s social media post emphasized India and UAE’s partnership in advanced tech, united in advancing AI for a smarter shared future.
PM Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, addressing a global audience of heads of state, tech leaders, and innovators. He described the event as a proud moment for the Global South, stressing the urgent need for responsible and ethical AI deployment amid rapid technological evolution.
“India, hosting this summit, represents one-sixth of humanity,” Modi said. “As the world’s largest tech talent pool and a vibrant ecosystem, we not only create new technologies but adopt them at an unprecedented scale.” He extended a heartfelt welcome to participants on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, underscoring the summit’s significance.
The backdrop featured AI-enabled sign language interpretation, showcasing practical applications of the discussed technologies. This summit marks the first such major AI event in the Global South, drawing elite policymakers, experts, and decision-makers from the AI sector.
As India positions itself as a global tech leader, this meeting signals stronger Indo-UAE ties, promising collaborative breakthroughs in AI that could influence international standards and innovations.