Estonian President Alar Karis Hails India as 'Cradle of Civilisation' During National Anniversary
In a significant address marking Estonia's national anniversary celebrations, President Alar Karis delivered a powerful speech highlighting the deep historical and cultural connections between Estonia and India. He described Estonians as "ancient Europeans" and Indians as representing a "cradle of civilisation," drawing parallels between the two nations' journeys through foreign rule to emerge as modern democracies and leaders in digital innovation.
Shared Historical Struggles and Democratic Values
President Karis emphasized that both Estonia and India have endured periods of foreign domination before establishing themselves as vibrant democracies. He pointed to their shared commitment to democratic principles and technological advancement as key pillars of their modern identities. Quoting the renowned Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, Karis reaffirmed these common values that bind the two nations together.
Call for Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation
The Estonian leader outlined several promising areas for deeper collaboration between Estonia and India:
- Artificial Intelligence: Karis highlighted Estonia's new "AI Leap" education initiative as a potential model for cooperation, suggesting joint ventures in AI research and development.
- Green Technology: He specifically mentioned green hydrogen as a priority area for technological partnership and knowledge exchange.
- E-Governance: Given Estonia's global reputation in digital governance, Karis proposed sharing expertise in this domain with India.
- Electronics and IT: The president identified these sectors as ripe for increased investment and collaborative projects.
Economic and Geopolitical Dimensions
President Karis actively encouraged greater Indian investment in Estonia's growing economy, particularly in the technology sectors where both nations excel. He also addressed broader geopolitical concerns, expressing serious apprehension about Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and calling for more robust global action to address the conflict.
The Estonian leader's remarks come at a time when both nations are positioning themselves as technological innovators on the global stage. His emphasis on green technology cooperation aligns with India's ambitious renewable energy goals and Estonia's expertise in sustainable solutions.
This diplomatic outreach represents a strategic effort to strengthen ties between the Baltic nation and South Asian giant, recognizing their complementary strengths in digital transformation and sustainable development. The speech underscores how historical connections can inform modern partnerships in an increasingly interconnected world.
