Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Zagreb on Wednesday during a landmark visit the first by any Indian Prime Minister to Croatia.
The meeting marked a pivotal moment in the historical relations between the two countries, according to a statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Upon his arrival at the historic Banski Dvori Palace, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome from his Croatian counterpart.
Earlier in the day, in a special gesture of friendship, Prime Minister Plenković personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport – underscoring the warmth and significance of the visit.
Comprehensive bilateral talks
The two leaders held high-level delegation talks, engaging in extensive discussions across multiple domains of cooperation.
These included trade and investment, defence and security, science and technology, space, cultural collaboration, and stronger people-to-people connections.
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Significantly, both Prime Ministers identified major opportunities for increased collaboration in sectors such as infrastructure, digitalisation, ports and shipping, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and hospitality.
Strengthening cultural and innovation ties
Modi and Plenković also acknowledged the growing popularity of Indian culture, including Indology and Yoga, in Croatia.
In light of this, PM Modi extended his best wishes to yoga enthusiasts in the country ahead of International Yoga Day on 21 June.
In addition, both sides welcomed recent initiatives focused on promoting start-up ecosystems and innovation partnerships.
They agreed on the importance of fostering stronger business-to-business connections, joint ventures, and investment collaborations to promote sustainable growth.
New avenues for strategic cooperation
Highlighting India’s skilled talent pool, Prime Minister Modi suggested enhanced institutional cooperation in the field of mobility.
Both leaders agreed on the strategic importance of improving connectivity, particularly through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), noting Croatia’s potential role as India’s gateway into Central and Southeastern Europe.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global matters, including United Nations reform, climate change, and the threat of terrorism. PM Modi thanked Plenković for Croatia’s steadfast support of India’s fight against terrorism.
Boost to India-EU relations
PM Modi and Plenković expressed satisfaction at the strengthening India-EU strategic partnership and jointly called for the swift conclusion of the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Signing of MoUs and future engagement
Following their talks, both countries signed four Memoranda of Understanding in agriculture, science and technology, cultural cooperation, and the renewal of a Hindi Chair. A joint statement was also issued, reflecting the shared vision of the two nations.
To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Plenković hosted a formal dinner in honour of Prime Minister Modi.
In turn, PM Modi extended an invitation to his Croatian counterpart to visit India at a mutually convenient date.
This historic visit not only reaffirmed the friendly ties between India and Croatia but als set the stage for an era of enhanced strategic cooperation across multiple sectors.
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