Estonia, one of the world’s most digitally advanced nations, is seeking closer collaboration with India in artificial intelligence and education, with President Alar Karis emphasising trust, privacy and citizen centric governance as the foundations of successful digital transformation.

In an interview during his visit to New Delhi, Karis said Estonia’s experience in building a fully digital society could offer valuable lessons for countries adopting AI at scale, including India.

Building Trust In A Rapidly Changing AI Era

Karis stressed that technology alone cannot drive digital progress without public confidence.

“We can provide to India and the rest of the world our experience and how we digitalised our society,” he said. “One important thing we should share… is how we are building trust when we go for digitisation or using AI.”

He noted that trust must extend beyond technology to institutions themselves.

“You should build trust not only between technologies, but also between governments and societies as a whole,” he added, cautioning that AI is evolving so quickly that even experts cannot predict developments weeks ahead.

Despite the uncertainty, Estonia aims to deploy AI in a “smart” and responsible manner while learning from other digitally advanced nations such as India.

A Society Where Almost Everything Is Online

Estonia’s digital transformation is among the most comprehensive in the world. According to Karis, virtually all public services are available online.

“In Estonia, everything is online. That means you can even get married online,” he said, highlighting services such as tax filing, prescriptions and legal processes.

He cited emerging uses of AI in the legal sector, where some startups deploy artificial intelligence to handle routine matters.

“It doesn’t mean we don’t need lawyers anymore, but we can focus on things which are more important,” he said, noting long waiting times in courts that AI could help alleviate.

Officials estimate that digitalisation has increased Estonia’s GDP by about 5 percent, largely through efficiency gains and reduced administrative burdens.

Privacy And Data Protection Remain Central

As governments expand digital services, data protection remains a major concern. Karis acknowledged growing public anxiety over privacy, particularly in sensitive areas such as healthcare.

“Data may belong to citizens, but data privacy, especially medical care, is a concern,” he said, pointing to debates across Europe over digital identity systems.

Estonia’s approach emphasises transparency and citizen control, aiming to ensure that digital convenience does not come at the cost of personal data security.

Education As The Next Frontier Of AI Cooperation

Education emerged as a key area for potential collaboration between Estonia and India. Karis highlighted Estonia’s long-standing commitment to digital learning, beginning with providing computers to schools three decades ago.

Now, the country is pursuing a new initiative called AI Leap, which integrates artificial intelligence into classrooms nationwide.

“We teach teachers and students how to use AI smartly,” he said. “AI Leap is in every school and we are learning how to use it and how to actually change the whole system of how we teach students.”

Estonia has partnered with major technology companies, including OpenAI and Google, to develop platforms tailored to educational needs.

Given India’s large student population and growing digital ecosystem, Karis suggested that joint initiatives could produce mutually beneficial outcomes.

Call For Global AI Regulation

While advocating innovation, the Estonian president also underscored the need for regulatory frameworks to guide AI development.

“Regulations are needed,” he said, adding that global standards would be desirable even though countries must adapt rules to their own circumstances.

As nations race to harness artificial intelligence for economic and strategic advantage, Estonia’s experience illustrates how small states can lead through governance innovation rather than scale alone.

Karis’s visit signals growing international interest in partnering with India as a major digital power, particularly in shaping the future of AI in education, public services and citizen engagement.

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