PM Modi Discusses Trade And Strategic Cooperation With Slovak PM Robert Fico

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held delegation-level talks with his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico in Bratislava, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia and signalling a push to deepen bilateral trade and strategic cooperation between the two countries. The discussions took place during Modi’s visit to Slovakia as part of the second leg of his European tour.

The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George, and Additional Secretary Puja Kapur, reflecting the high-level diplomatic importance attached to the visit. Before the formal talks, both leaders met at the historic Bratislava Castle, where they also toured an art exhibition as part of the ceremonial engagements.

The visit included a Guard of Honour and a ceremonial welcome upon Modi’s arrival in Bratislava, underscoring the symbolic significance of the bilateral meeting. Modi was received at the airport on Sunday evening by Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár, who extended a traditional Slovak welcome involving the offering of bread and salt.

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The Prime Minister later noted in a post on X that the gesture reflected Slovakia’s cultural heritage and its values of goodwill and friendship, highlighting the symbolic warmth of the reception. Cultural elements also featured prominently in the visit, with the Kopaniciarik children’s folk ensemble from the Myjava region performing traditional Slovak dances in vibrant attire.

Modi shared glimpses of the performance on social media, stating that such folk traditions play an important role in preserving cultural identity and history. During the visit, Modi also interacted with members of the Indian community in Slovakia, expressing gratitude for their warm reception. He described their enthusiasm as a reflection of the strong and enduring people-to-people ties between India and Slovakia.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is aimed at reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening relations with Slovakia and building on recent high-level exchanges. Both sides are expected to explore new avenues of cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and strategic engagement, further expanding the scope of India-Slovakia relations.

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