India, Slovakia Elevate Ties as PM Modi Holds Talks with Slovak Leadership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held wide-ranging discussions with Slovakia’s top leadership during his official visit to Bratislava, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European nation since it gained independence in 1993. The visit underscored New Delhi’s growing engagement with European partners and resulted in a decision to upgrade bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership.
Mr. Modi met Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini to explore avenues for deeper cooperation across sectors including trade, defence, science and technology, innovation, education and connectivity. The leaders agreed that both countries possess significant untapped potential and expressed commitment to strengthening institutional and economic ties.
Addressing the media following the talks, Mr. Modi highlighted the complementary strengths of the two nations and stressed the importance of collaboration in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies. Discussions also focused on increasing investment opportunities and enhancing business-to-business engagement.
A notable outcome of the visit was the announcement of the establishment of an India Chair on Artificial Intelligence at a Slovak university. The initiative is expected to promote academic exchange, joint research and technological cooperation between institutions from both countries.
Slovakia also reiterated its support for India’s aspiration for permanent membership of an expanded United Nations Security Council, a position welcomed by the Indian side as a reflection of growing strategic understanding between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Bratislava, where members of the Indian diaspora and local residents greeted him warmly. The visit forms part of India’s broader diplomatic outreach to Europe and is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations, paving the way for stronger political, economic and people-to-people partnerships in the years ahead.