In a symbolic gesture underscoring India-Croatia cultural ties, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Wednesday gifted PM Narendra Modi a reprint of the first printed Sanskrit grammar book written in Latin.
Croatian missionary and scientist Filip Vezdin (1748–1806) authored the grammar in 1790 based on his studies with Kerala Brahmins and local manuscripts during his time in India.
Plenkovic described the book as a tribute to shared heritage, “With this pioneering work, Filip Vezdin became one of the first European scholars to study Indian languages and culture seriously. This gift represents the deep historical links between Croatia and India.”
Vezdin, also known as Ivan Filip Vezdin, arrived in Malabar as a missionary in 1774 and later served as Vicar-General on the Malabar Coast. He published the grammar during his time in India and was honoured with a commemorative plaque in Trivandrum in 1999.
In addition, Plenkovic presented PM Modi with a book titled Croatia and India, Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business, authored by Croatian diplomat Sinise Grgica.
The book offers a comparative overview of both nations and highlights the scope for future cooperation.
PM Modi kicked off his historic visit—the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia—with a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora in Zagreb.
Large crowds of enthusiastic supporters and locals lined the streets and gathered outside his hotel, chanting ‘Modi-Modi’, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, and ‘Vande Mataram’.
PM Modi joined locals in chanting Vedic shlokas and interacted with members of the diaspora at the venue.
“The bonds of culture are strong and vibrant. I am happy to see Indian culture held in such high regard in Croatia,” PM Modi said on X.
Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic received PM Modi with full ceremonial honours at Franjo Tudman Airport and later at the historic St. Mark’s Square.
Following the warm welcome, the two leaders held delegation-level bilateral talks.
Plenkovic praised the visit, stating, “This is the first visit by the Prime Minister of India and comes at a pivotal geopolitical moment. We are starting a new chapter in Croatia-India relations and preparing for stronger cooperation across multiple sectors.”
Experts believe PM Modi’s visit will significantly enhance political and economic ties between India and Croatia.
Areas poised for expanded collaboration include trade, defence, innovation, ports, shipping, workforce mobility, science and technology, and cultural exchange.
India and Croatia share a rich history of cultural exchange.
Early Croatian visitors to India, including missionaries like Vezdin, helped forge long-standing connections.
Croatian records even reference early links between Goa and Dubrovnik in the 16th century.
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