FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 16 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA LC | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW AI key in India’s journey to Viksit Bharat: Vaishnaw Page 12 West Indies v Italy Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe Afghanisthan v Canada BRIEFLY India to add $ 26 tn to global economy by 2047: New Delhi: India is set to contribute an unprecedented $26 trillion to the global economy between now & 2047, Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday, describing the scale of expansion as “unparalleled in history” and unlikely to be replicated anywhere else in the world. Goyal outlined India’s evolving economic diplomacy strategy that positioned the country as a stable & trusted partner in the volatile global order. SILIGURI | Thursday, 19 February 2026 SPORTS WORLD BUSINESS | Khalilur Rahman as B’desh’s next Foreign Affairs Minister NATION Modi, Vucic hold talks on boosting bilateral ties Page 5 Page 11 ICC T20 rankings: Abhishek stays on top, Kishan soars Page 16 Modi expands Europe outreach at AI summit Brazil’s Prez arrives in India with agenda to strengthen ties, deepen partnerships New Delhi, 18 February New Delhi, 18 February STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, signaling India’s growing influence in shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. Throughout the day, the Prime Minister engaged with leaders from Europe and Asia, reviewing strategic partnerships and exploring new avenues of cooperation in technology, trade, connectivity, and sustainable development. Earlier in the day, he had also held meetings with other dignitaries, further consolidating India’s global engagement agenda. Prime Minister Modi met Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who is visiting India from February 18–21 at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister to participate in the Summit. This marks the first-ever visit by a Croatian Prime Minister to India. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade and investment, science and technology, connectivity, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. They also urged early implementation of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement to boost economic engagement and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both leaders emphasised harnessing Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies to prepare for a brighter future for their citizens. Prime Minister Modi also appreciated Croatia’s interest in India’s traditional wellness practices, including Yoga and Ayurveda. The meeting builds on the momentum from Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Croatia in June 2025, the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister. Prime Minister Modi also met Bhutan counterpart Tshering Tobgay, who is attending the AI Impact Summit in India. The leaders reviewed progress in diverse areas of cooperation, following the outcomes of Modi’s visit to Bhutan in November 2025. Across all meetings, a common theme was the focus on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies as engines of growth, sustainability, and inclusive development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Thursday, February 19, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, according to an official statement released on Wednesday. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived here this afternoon on a five-day State visit to India during which he will participate in the ongoing AI Summit and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on strengthening the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, focusing on Defence, trade, energy, agriculture and health. President Lula was received at the airport by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita. On his arrival, President Lula said he had arrived in India with an important agenda: to strengthen ties, deepen partnerships, and discuss the future of artificial intelligence in the world. 'Namaste, India! I arrived for another visit with an important agenda: to strengthen ties, deepen partnerships, and discuss the future of artificial intelligence in the world. We continue working to build more cooperation, innovation, and opportunities between our countries,' President Lula said on arrival. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said 'India and Brazil share a close and multifaceted relationship, elevated to Strategic Partnership and rooted in a common global vision, shared democratic values and commitment to inclusive growth.' He said President Lula's visit will impart strong momentum to the India-Brazil partnership. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in sectors such as energy, civil aviation, critical minerals, and pharmaceuticals are expected to be signed during the visit. Sources said Brazil is reportedly moving towards introducing 10-year multiple-entry visas for Indian tourists and also easing business visa norms between the two countries. Discussions will also be held on strengthening the United Nations and on climate change, reinforcing their shared goals for the Global South. Both leaders will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations. The Prime Minister is scheduled to host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in multilateral fora, reformed multilateralism, global governance and issues concerning the Global South, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.