Netherlands PM Dick Schoof Attends India AI Impact Summit, Bolstering Bilateral AI Ties

Dutch Prime Minister Joins Global AI Dialogue in New Delhi

Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof arrived in New Delhi, India, to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, a significant global gathering focused on the future of artificial intelligence. His participation, spanning February 18 and 19, 2026, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and foster international collaboration on responsible AI development.

The summit, held at Bharat Mandapam, brought together world leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and civil society to advance discussions on artificial intelligence.

Schoof Highlights Role of 'Middle Powers' in AI Development

During his visit, Prime Minister Schoof lauded India's burgeoning artificial intelligence sector, noting an 'AI boom' in the country. He engaged in discussions concerning international cooperation to responsibly accelerate AI development. Schoof particularly emphasized the crucial role of 'middle powers' in bridging the gap between the Global North and South in shaping global AI power and ensuring inclusive technological advancements.

The Netherlands, as a Co-Chair of the Working Group on AI for Economic Growth and Social Good, actively contributed to the summit's objectives.

Bilateral Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Schoof held a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders discussed the immense potential of AI for social transformation and underscored the need for India and the Netherlands to collaborate in realizing this potential. Their discussions also covered strengthening cooperation in various emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors. Other areas of focus included mega water projects, green hydrogen, talent mobility, and counter-terrorism efforts.

India AI Impact Summit: A Global South Initiative

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, announced by Prime Minister Modi, marked the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. Organized by the Government of India's Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) under the IndiaAI Mission, the summit's core objective was to transition from high-level political statements to demonstrable impact and tangible progress in global AI cooperation.

The summit was anchored on three foundational pillars, or 'Sutras': People, Planet, and Progress, aiming to harness AI for humanity, inclusive growth, and a sustainable future. It sought to amplify the voice of the Global South, ensuring that technological advancements and opportunities are broadly shared.