Bratislava, June 16: India and Slovakia have upgraded their bilateral relations to the status of a ‘comprehensive partnership.’ The Ministry of External Affairs reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Bratislava will accelerate cooperation across various sectors.
This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia gained independence in 1993, bringing the bilateral relationship to new heights. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi held extensive talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the historic Bratislava Castle. Following their discussions, both leaders exchanged 11 agreements and memorandums of understanding.
Speaking to the media in Bratislava, Secretary (West) Sibi George emphasized the potential for transformative relations, stating that this visit reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European nation.
George noted, “This visit ensures India’s commitment to enhancing relations with Slovakia and will invigorate bilateral cooperation across various fields. Elevating our relationship to a comprehensive partnership will take our bilateral ties to a new level, strengthen existing cooperation systems, and explore new avenues for deepening collaboration both bilaterally and multilaterally.”
During a series of high-level meetings, George highlighted that Prime Minister Modi also met with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini at the Presidential Palace, where he was awarded Slovakia’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class).
Both leaders agreed to elevate the relationship between India and the Slovak Republic to a comprehensive partnership. The aim of this partnership is to take bilateral relations to a new level, strengthen existing cooperation methods, and explore new avenues for collaboration between the two countries.
Recognizing the growing geopolitical, economic, and technological significance of the Indo-Pacific region, both leaders acknowledged the importance of a robust partnership between India and Slovakia in supporting mutually beneficial cooperation, regional connectivity, open international trade, freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution of disputes, and a rules-based international order.
They emphasized the importance of ongoing high-level political dialogue and agreed to enhance delegation exchanges at all levels.
Additionally, both parties agreed to increase parliamentary exchanges, engagement, and cooperation to enhance mutual understanding and share legislative experiences and best practices.
They reiterated their commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, with a focus on the United Nations. They also supported significant reforms in multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations Security Council, to make them more representative, inclusive, effective, and aligned with current geopolitical realities.
Both countries stressed the immediate need to expand both permanent and non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. In this regard, India appreciated Slovakia’s continued support for its permanent membership in an enhanced and expanded UNSC.
The leaders also agreed to continue consultations and coordination regarding their respective candidacies in international organizations and to exchange views and collaborate closely in global forums, including the UN. They discussed the importance of maintaining the global non-proliferation architecture.
Slovakia reaffirmed its constructive approach towards India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Leave a Comment