Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Bush is in New Delhi today India AI Impact Summit 2026India has placed itself at the center of the global AI conversation. Busch, who also serves as Sweden’s energy, commerce and industry minister, is participating in high-level events with Swedish business delegations and holding bilateral meetings with Indian ministers. Her visit comes just weeks after India signed a long-negotiated free trade agreement with the European Union and comes amid deepening ties with Sweden in technology, innovation, energy and trade.
AI Impact Summit and information from Sweden
The India Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026 was held from February 16 to 20 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Billed as the first global artificial intelligence summit hosted in the Southern Hemisphere, it attracted the participation of more than 110 countries and more than 30 international organizations, including about 20 heads of state or government and about 45 ministers.The summit is part of an evolving international process focused on strengthening cooperation on AI governance, security and social impact. Guided by the three fundamental pillars of people, planet and progress, it aims to promote human-centered AI, safeguard rights and ensure equitable benefits, environmentally sustainable development of AI, and inclusive economic and technological growth. It is in line with India’s national vision of “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” (welfare for all, happiness for all) and the broader principle of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity.Upon her arrival, India’s Ministry of External Affairs welcomed her visit and highlighted the breadth of India-Swedish relations in a post on X, writing:“A warm welcome to @BuschEbba, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of Sweden, in New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit. India-Sweden cooperation spans a wide range of areas including trade, economics, science, innovation, climate action and education, among others.”During her visit, she praised India as an important partner in artificial intelligence, innovation and trade, and highlighted the two countries’ growing ties in areas such as energy, business and technology, especially in the wake of the recently signed EU-India Free Trade Agreement.Exclusive statement new delhi tv On the sidelines of the summit, Ms Bush described India as being at the heart of the global conversation on artificial intelligence. “It is no coincidence that India is now hosting and hosting this Global Artificial Intelligence Summit for the first time in a country in the Global South,” she said, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and his emphasis on technologies that “come from humans and serve the greater good of humanity.”She added that her participation was “a no-brainer”, underscoring what she said was India’s growing influence in shaping the global AI discourse. Referring to Sweden’s own innovation credentials, she said: “Sweden ranks first, second or third in many global innovation rankings. We are a knowledge-hungry nation, always looking to collaborate with other countries who want to solve complex problems. India is definitely that partner.”“
Bilateral Relations: Telecommunications, Trade and Free Trade Agreements
During her visit, Ms. Bush met Federal Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Scindia said in a social media post that India and Sweden are ready to build a strong and future-proof digital and telecom partnership.Innovation, science and technology have become the backbone of India-Sweden relations. In recent years, the two countries have signed bilateral cooperation agreements in the fields of innovation, research and energy. Trade between the two countries is extensive, with nearly 300 Swedish companies established in India.Ms. Bush’s visit also comes shortly after India and the European Union concluded a free trade agreement in January 2026 after nearly 20 years of negotiations. Under the agreement, EU export tariffs will be reduced by more than 90%. There are indications that exports may double by 2030 and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises will increase.Ms Bush told New Delhi television the deal was a turning point: “We are finally celebrating”, calling it a “really important day” for Europe. She emphasized that the agreement was about “much more than trade.”She said the free trade agreement brings together “the world’s fourth-largest economy and second-largest market” and creates long-term strategic alliances in addition to economic opportunities. “This free trade agreement is not just about trade. It’s about building value-based relationships that can last for generations. She added that Europe was choosing its partners carefully during a time of geopolitical turmoil. “Sweden must have chosen India for a reason.”She concluded with a message to Indian businesses and innovators: Sweden is “open for business.” She pointed out that the approximately 300 Swedish companies operating in India indirectly support nearly 2.5 million jobs. “We want to do more and we want to see more investment in Sweden, especially in industry and healthcare in terms of innovation and artificial intelligence,” she said. Linking the agreement to long-term ambitions, she added: “This is for the next generation, for my two children back home in Sweden.“
