Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday elevated bilateral relations to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership, marking a historic milestone during the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia.
Addressing a joint press statement in Bratislava following bilateral talks, PM Modi thanked Fico for his warm welcome and described him as a close friend of India.
“He is an experienced leader and a true friend of India. His friendship and unwavering commitment have played a significant role in elevating India-Slovakia relations to new heights. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet him today and witness a historic moment in our relations,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting the significance of the visit, PM Modi announced the elevation of bilateral ties.
“This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia. I am delighted that on this historic occasion, we have decided to elevate our relations to a Comprehensive Partnership. This symbolizes our shared trust, shared priorities, and a shared future,” he said.
Focus on Trade, Manufacturing and Green Technologies
The two leaders held extensive discussions on expanding cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, manufacturing and emerging technologies.
“Today the Prime Minister and I discussed in detail how to give new direction and new energy to our cooperation. The progress in our bilateral trade and economic cooperation is a matter of satisfaction for us. But our potential is vast. Our aspirations are even greater,” PM Modi said.
He identified automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing and green technologies as priority areas for future collaboration.
“Automobile, railways, advanced manufacturing, and green technologies are areas of particular interest to us. Today, we combined our strengths on all these issues and took several important decisions for the benefit of the people of both countries,” he added.
India-EU FTA to Benefit Businesses and Startups
PM Modi thanked Slovakia for supporting the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which both sides see as a major opportunity for economic growth.
“I express special gratitude to the Prime Minister for Slovakia’s support in finalizing the India-EU FTA. We will work towards its early implementation so that industries, startups, and traders from both countries can reap maximum benefits,” he said.
Technology and AI Partnership
Emphasising technology as a key pillar of future cooperation, PM Modi welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on digital technology.
“Technology is an important pillar of our future partnership. The MoU signed today on digital technology will open up new possibilities for cooperation in digital public infrastructure,” he said.
The Prime Minister also welcomed the establishment of an India Chair in Artificial Intelligence at a Slovak university.
“I am delighted that an India Chair in AI is being established at a Slovakian university. We share a vision that AI should become a powerful medium for the service and progress of humanity. We believe that the future of AI should be based not only on innovation but also on trust, responsibility, and human dignity,” PM Modi said.
Expanding Cooperation in Space and Nuclear Energy
The Prime Minister highlighted growing opportunities for collaboration in the space sector, recalling Slovakia’s first satellite launch by India in 2017.
“There is enormous potential for expanding cooperation between us in the field of space. In 2017, Slovakia’s first satellite was launched by India. Today, the space sector in India is reaching new heights at an unprecedented pace. I invite Slovakian companies to join this development journey,” he said.
PM Modi also identified civil nuclear energy as an important area for future engagement.
“Civil nuclear energy is also a key priority area for both countries. We emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between the industries and experts of both countries in this area,” he said.
Defence Cooperation Gets New Momentum
Defence cooperation emerged as another major focus of the talks, with both countries signing a Letter of Intent aimed at strengthening collaboration in the sector.
“Defense cooperation is a testament to our deep mutual trust and strategic convergence. I am pleased that today we signed a Letter of Intent in this important area. This will give new impetus to joint development, joint production, and cooperation between the defense industries,” PM Modi said.
Shared Vision on Global Issues
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including multilateral cooperation and reform of global institutions.
“India and Slovakia are also moving forward in close coordination on the global stage. We agree that all disputes and tensions should be resolved peacefully. We will continue to move forward in this direction, working with all partners,” PM Modi said.
He also stressed the need to reform international institutions to reflect contemporary realities.
“We also agree that global institutions must redefine themselves to the realities and challenges of the twenty-first century. We will work to strengthen global efforts on this issue,” he added.
Strengthening Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Highlighting the cultural bonds between the two nations, PM Modi referred to the translation of India’s ancient scriptures into Slovak and the contributions of the Indian diaspora.
“The deep cultural and people-to-people ties between our two countries provide a strong foundation for our relations. The translation of India’s ancient Upanishads into Slovak is an excellent example of our cultural closeness,” he said.
“People of Indian origin living in Slovakia are making significant contributions to the economy and society,” he added.
The Prime Minister announced an agreement aimed at enhancing mobility between the two countries.
“Today, we have announced an MoU on labor migration to increase the mobility of professionals and skilled workers between the two countries. We will also soon finalize an MoU on social security,” PM Modi said.
Invitation to Visit India
Concluding his remarks, PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Fico for the productive discussions and extended an invitation to visit India.
“On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I invite you to visit India. And I am delighted that you have publicly accepted this invitation. We look forward to welcoming you,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral ties, PM Modi added, “I am confident that our Comprehensive Partnership will be the foundation of new opportunities, shared prosperity, and a bright future for our people in the years to come.”
Historic Visit
PM Modi arrived in Bratislava after completing the first leg of his European tour in France. He received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour and held extensive talks with Prime Minister Fico at the historic Bratislava Castle.
The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Secretary (West) Sibi George and Additional Secretary Puja Kapur.
The visit follows recent high-level exchanges between the two countries, including the visit of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini to India earlier this year and President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Slovakia in 2025.
The visit resulted in several agreements across digital technologies, defence, cybersecurity, scientific research, mobility and emerging technologies, and is expected to significantly deepen India-Slovakia cooperation across strategic, economic and cultural sectors.
(With ANI inputs)
