Bratislava, June 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Slovakia marks a significant milestone in India-Slovakia relations. On Monday, he arrived in the Slovak capital, where both nations signed several important agreements, including a crucial defense pact. Foreign Secretary (West) Sibi George confirmed that PM Modi was welcomed with full state honors at the invitation of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
The importance of this visit was underscored when President Peter Pellegrini awarded PM Modi the Order of the White Double Cross First Class at the Presidential Palace. This is Slovakia’s highest civilian honor, rarely bestowed upon foreign dignitaries. PM Modi dedicated this honor to the people of both nations, emphasizing the deepening friendship between New Delhi and Bratislava.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that this is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia. Foreign Secretary Sibi George stated, “Today is a historic day for India-Slovakia relations. PM Modi is on a state visit to Slovakia at the invitation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia gained independence in 1993.”
George highlighted that, as a special gesture, the President awarded PM Modi Slovakia’s highest governmental honor for his significant contributions to strengthening India-Slovakia relations. He dedicated this award to the people of both countries who have contributed to this partnership.
Both leaders decided to expand their mutual relations into a broader partnership, signaling a strategic shift in New Delhi’s engagement with Central Europe.
In addition to bilateral trade, these discussions held considerable geopolitical significance. Secretary George confirmed that both Prime Ministers shared insights on regional and global flashpoints, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and instability in West Asia.
George noted, “The Prime Ministers discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and shared views on mutually beneficial regional and global developments, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the situation in West Asia, and India-EU relations.”
Officials confirmed that a major reason for this renewed momentum is the recently finalized India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) earlier this year.
George stated, “The India-EU FTA, finalized earlier this year, has generated new momentum in relations between India and the European Union, including Slovakia.”
This visit yielded tangible results across various sectors; both countries signed multiple agreements, including a letter of intent to enhance cooperation in defense technology and industrial collaboration.
Other notable agreements included a Memorandum of Understanding on digital technology and quantum communication, a framework for labor migration to facilitate the movement of skilled Indian professionals, and an agreement on audiovisual creation to promote cultural ties.
In a unique initiative, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) announced the establishment of its first chair on Artificial Intelligence at the Technical University of Košice in Slovakia.
Both sides also agreed to form a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation and established a consular dialogue mechanism to promote people-to-people contact and exchanges.
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