Indian Prime Minister Modi Expands Bilateral Ties in Slovakia

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a significant visit to Slovakia on June 15, 2026, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. Accompanied by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Modi announced the establishment of a 'Comprehensive Partnership' between the two nations during a press conference at Bratislava Castle.

The visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia's inception in 1993. Following discussions, both leaders signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) centred on various sectors, including defence, education, digital technology, and labour mobility.

"Held an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico. This is indeed a very special moment for the India-Slovakia friendship," Modi stated at the conference.

The agreements include initiatives to increase trade and investment in key industries such as automotive manufacturing and electronic sectors. A notable MoU concerning labour migration was also signed, designed to facilitate professional movement and information exchange between both countries.

In the educational field, the two nations committed to fostering links between their higher education ministries. This agreement aims to enhance the mobility of students and researchers, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as well as humanities disciplines.

Defence cooperation emerged as a focal point of the partnership, with both governments signing a Letter of Intent to collaborate in areas like defence technologies and research and development. Modi highlighted that these efforts would become a pivotal aspect of the India-Slovakia relationship.

Additionally, an MoU was forged to further digital cooperation, encompassing fields like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things and 6G.

The leaders also established a Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism, responding to previous terrorist incidents and advocating for a cooperative approach to global security threats.

Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and called for reforms at the United Nations, promoting India's aspiration for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Slovakia expressed continuous support for India’s bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

The day concluded with Modi meeting local business leaders and attending a dinner hosted by the President of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini. This visit is poised to strengthen the longstanding bonds between the two nations and explore untapped potential for collaboration in the future.