Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on an official visit to Slovakia, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European nation since it gained independence in 1993.
During the visit, Modi extended an invitation to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit India and expressed happiness that Fico had publicly accepted it.
The two leaders held bilateral talks on Monday focused on expanding cooperation across key sectors and elevating India-Slovakia ties to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership, ANI reported.
Addressing a joint press statement with Fico in Bratislava, Modi described the occasion as a landmark moment in bilateral relations.
“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Fico today and witness a historic chapter in our relationship. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia, and I am delighted that we have decided to upgrade our relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership on this significant occasion,” Modi said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico against the backdrop of the iconic Bratislava Castle. Before arriving in Slovakia, Modi was in Nice, France, where he held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and jointly inaugurated the ‘Bharat Innovates’ initiative. The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to France on Tuesday to attend the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16 and 17.
Modi and Fico explore new areas of partnership
During their discussions, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Slovakia relations and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation across sectors such as trade and investment, defence and security, technology and innovation, space, nuclear energy, education, culture, talent mobility and people-to-people exchanges.
Sharing details of the talks, the Ministry of External Affairs outlined a range of outcomes from the meeting. Modi described the strengthening of ties as a “win-win” for both nations.
“A win-win for India-Slovakia friendship!” the Prime Minister said.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the need for reforms at the United Nations. Speaking after the talks, Modi said India and Slovakia are working closely on international issues and share the view that disputes and tensions should be resolved through peaceful means.
The meeting resulted in several agreements and understandings covering digital technologies, defence cooperation, cybersecurity, post-quantum technologies, audio-visual production, mobility and scientific collaboration, including in the field of nuclear energy.
Modi highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on labour migration, saying it would boost the movement of professionals and skilled workers between the two countries. He added that both sides are also close to finalising an agreement on social security.
Meanwhile, Fico expressed strong support for the recently concluded India-European Free Trade Agreement, describing it as one of the most ambitious trade deals ever negotiated.
“It is one of the most ambitious free trade agreements ever signed, and Slovakia not only welcomes this agreement but will take all necessary practical steps to ensure its implementation at the earliest,” Fico said.
