Bratislava, June 15: Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico commended India’s economic advancements and achievements in digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) on Monday, stating that India has surpassed many developed nations.
During a joint press conference following bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fico remarked on the shared issues between India and Slovakia. He expressed that India’s accomplishments are highly inspirational and it is an honor to welcome the Prime Minister of the world’s most populous country to Slovakia.
He noted, “India is the fifth-largest economy in the world and aspires to become the third-largest. I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the successes achieved across various sectors.”
Fico specifically praised India’s rapid progress in digitalization and AI, saying, “You have advanced so quickly in this area that you have outpaced countries like France and Germany in Western Europe. India is ahead of many developed nations.”
He also highlighted India’s impressive economic growth rate of 6-7%, stating that if the European Union could achieve such a rate, it would be a significant accomplishment. However, he acknowledged that European countries currently face challenges in balancing competitiveness with climate goals.
The Slovak Prime Minister emphasized the need for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and openly supported India’s bid for permanent membership. He stated that respecting international law is the most effective way to resolve global conflicts and wars.
Fico reiterated Slovakia’s support for multilateralism and advocated for reforms within the UN, clearly stating that countries like India should be granted permanent membership in the Security Council.
He also congratulated Prime Minister Modi for becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister, calling it a “political miracle.” He remarked that winning public trust consistently in a country with such diverse political parties is an extraordinary achievement.
Fico welcomed the free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union, stating that Slovakia is ready to take all necessary steps to implement this ambitious agreement as soon as possible. He noted that it could become one of the world’s most significant free trade agreements.
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