Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday lauded India’s rapid economic growth, digital transformation and advances in artificial intelligence (AI), saying the country has outpaced many advanced nations and emerged as a global leader in innovation and technology.
Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after bilateral talks in Bratislava, Fico described India as a rising global power and congratulated the country on its remarkable achievements across multiple sectors.
“It is a great honour for me to welcome the Prime Minister of the country with the largest population in the world, the fifth-largest economy, and a nation that aspires to become the world’s third-largest economy,” Fico said.
Praising India’s technological progress, the Slovak leader said the country has made extraordinary strides in digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
“You dominate in the field of digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence. You have come so far that you are faster than many advanced countries in different parts of the world, including some in Western Europe,” Fico said.
Highlighting India’s strong economic performance, he contrasted it with challenges facing Europe.
“I would like to congratulate India on its impressive economic growth. What would the European Union do if it could achieve growth of 6-7 per cent? Unfortunately, we continue to struggle with competitiveness and other economic challenges,” he said.
Fico Calls PM Modi’s Political Journey a “Miracle”
Fico also congratulated PM Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister, describing the achievement as a “political miracle.”
“I congratulate you on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in India. Serving consecutively for 12 years in such a complex democratic environment with so many political parties is like a political miracle,” he said.
PM Modi completed 4,399 consecutive days in office on June 10, surpassing the record previously held by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Slovakia Supports India’s Permanent Membership in UNSC
Expressing support for reform of the United Nations system, Fico strongly backed India’s bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
“The Government of Slovakia supports reform of the United Nations. We are strongly convinced that countries like India must become permanent members of the Security Council,” he said.
Fico also underscored the importance of multilateralism and adherence to international law in resolving global conflicts.
Support for India-EU Free Trade Agreement
Welcoming progress in negotiations between India and the European Union, Fico said Slovakia strongly supports the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“Slovakia welcomes the agreement reached between the European Union and India on free trade. It is one of the most ambitious trade agreements under discussion, and Slovakia will take all necessary steps to ensure its implementation at the earliest,” he said.
Historic Visit Strengthens Bilateral Ties
PM Modi’s visit marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country’s independence in 1993.
During the visit, the two leaders held delegation-level and one-on-one talks covering trade, investment, defence, digital technologies, renewable energy, innovation, cyber security, space cooperation, nuclear energy, skill development and people-to-people exchanges.
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.
PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour upon his arrival in Bratislava. He is also scheduled to meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and interact with Slovak business leaders to boost economic cooperation and investment between the two countries.
The visit is expected to give fresh momentum to India-Slovakia relations and deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, manufacturing, defence production and innovation-driven sectors.
(With agency inputs)
