PM Modi’s Slovakia Visit Marks New Chapter In Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Bratislava on a visit that marked the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the nation became independent in 1993.

Hosted by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the visit highlighted the growing engagement between the two countries.

President Peter Pellegrini awarded PM Modi the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class), Slovakia’s highest state honour.

Accepting the award, the Prime Minister said the recognition belonged to the people of both countries and symbolised the strengthening friendship between India and Slovakia.

Meetings between PM Modi and Prime Minister Fico focused on expanding cooperation across a broad range of sectors.

Following the discussions, both governments agreed to upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, reflecting a stronger and more strategic framework for future collaboration.

The leaders also exchanged views on major international developments, including the Ukraine conflict, the situation in West Asia, and the future trajectory of India-European Union relations.

Key Agreements and Cooperation

The two countries exchanged several agreements and memoranda during the visit to strengthen cooperation in key sectors. They also signed a Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation to promote partnerships in defence manufacturing, technology, and industry.

The two countries also finalised arrangements covering digital innovation, quantum communication, labour mobility, and audio-visual cooperation, paving the way for broader engagement in emerging sectors.

As part of the visit, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations announced the launch of its first Artificial Intelligence Chair at the Technical University of Kosice.

The initiative aims to promote academic collaboration and research in advanced technologies.

India and Slovakia further agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and introduce a Consular Dialogue mechanism to facilitate stronger people-to-people contacts.

The outcomes of the visit reflected a shared commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing a long-term partnership across strategic, economic, and cultural domains.

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