PM Modi Becomes First Indian PM to Visit Slovakia Since Country's Independence in 1993

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial and cultural welcome in Bratislava on Sunday (local time) during his first-ever official visit to Slovakia, marked by traditional performances, diaspora interactions and diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit is being seen as a historic milestone, as it is the first time an Indian Prime Minister has travelled to Slovakia since the country’s independence in 1993, highlighting growing strategic and cultural ties between India and the Central European nation.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi was greeted with the Slovak tradition of bread and salt, a symbolic gesture representing hospitality, respect and goodwill. The Prime Minister was received by Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar at the hotel. According to official statements from the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is expected to open new avenues of cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, innovation, automobile manufacturing and railway development, while also strengthening long-standing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

A major highlight of the welcome ceremony was a special rendition of “Vande Mataram” performed by the renowned Lucnica Ensemble, which has previously performed during high-level Indian visits, including President Droupadi Murmu’s trip in 2025. The performance took place at a hotel in Bratislava and was part of a broader cultural programme that showcased Slovak appreciation for Indian heritage and music, drawing strong appreciation from the visiting Prime Minister.

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PM Modi also witnessed a spiritual and musical performance by the Slovak ensemble Mahadeva Kirtan Projekt, led by drummer Marek Zilinec. The group expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform before the Indian leader, calling it a memorable cultural exchange. In addition, he attended a traditional folk performance by Kopaniciarik, a children’s ensemble from the Myjava region, further highlighting Slovakia’s rich cultural traditions and their role in diplomatic outreach.

Members of the Indian diaspora gathered in large numbers in Bratislava to welcome the Prime Minister, interacting with him during his visit and expressing pride in India-Slovakia relations. Several attendees described the moment as special and expressed appreciation for his engagement with the community. The MEA noted that the diaspora continues to play an important role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations, contributing to cultural and economic connections abroad.

PM Modi, in a post on social media platform X, said his visit aimed to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new opportunities for cooperation. He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and meet President Peter Pellegrini, with discussions expected to focus on enhancing collaboration in key strategic sectors. Officials said the visit will further reinforce India’s commitment to expanding its partnership with Slovakia in the coming years.

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