The Impressive TimesBratislava: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership, marking a major milestone in ties between the two countries during the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the nation gained independence in 1993.
Addressing a joint press conference after delegation-level talks in Bratislava, PM Modi described the decision as a reflection of the growing trust, shared priorities, and common vision that unite India and Slovakia.
“This visit marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia. I am delighted that on this historic occasion, we have decided to elevate our ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. This reflects our shared trust, common priorities and a shared vision for the future,” Modi said.
The two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explored new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, defence, digital technologies, innovation, cybersecurity, space, nuclear energy, education, culture, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges.
Highlighting the growing economic relationship, PM Modi noted that while bilateral trade and investment have expanded steadily, there remains enormous potential for further collaboration. He identified automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing, and green technologies as key sectors that could drive future growth.
Several agreements were signed during the visit covering areas such as digital technologies, defence cooperation, cybersecurity, scientific research, mobility, post-quantum technologies, audio-visual content creation, and nuclear-related cooperation.
A major focus of the discussions was the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Modi thanked Slovakia for its support in advancing negotiations and emphasized the importance of concluding the agreement at the earliest.
“I express special gratitude to the Prime Minister of Slovakia for his support in finalising 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.
Both leaders agreed that the FTA could unlock significant opportunities in trade, manufacturing, investment, and job creation.
PM Modi also highlighted the strong cultural links between the two countries. Referring to the translation of India’s ancient Upanishads into Slovak, he said the initiative reflected the deep civilisational connection shared by the two nations. He also praised the Indian community in Slovakia for its contributions to the country’s economy and society.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico lauded India’s remarkable economic progress and technological achievements. He particularly praised India’s leadership in digitalisation and artificial intelligence, noting that the country has emerged as a global technology powerhouse.
“I would like to congratulate India for the fantastic results it is achieving. You dominate in the field of digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence. You have come so far that you are ahead of many advanced countries,” Fico said.
The visit is expected to open a new chapter in India-Slovakia relations, laying the foundation for deeper cooperation across strategic, economic, technological, and cultural sectors in the years ahead.
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