Bratislava, Slovakia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday concluded what he described as a “historic and productive” visit to Slovakia, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations between the two nations through a series of strategic agreements focused on trade, education, technology and labour mobility.
In a special diplomatic gesture underscoring the growing partnership between India and Slovakia, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico personally saw off Prime Minister Modi at the conclusion of the visit.
Taking to X, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the Slovak government and its citizens for their warm hospitality and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.
“I am concluding my historic and productive visit to Slovakia. The outcomes of this visit will significantly contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between our countries. Stronger trade relations will bring significant benefits, especially for our youth and future generations,” PM Modi said.
He also thanked Prime Minister Fico for the personal gesture of accompanying him during his departure, calling it a reflection of the warmth shared between the two nations.
A major highlight of the visit was Prime Minister Modi being conferred Slovakia’s highest civilian honour, The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. The award became the 33rd international honour bestowed upon the Indian Prime Minister by a foreign nation.
The visit also resulted in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening cooperation in education, research, talent mobility and technology. The agreements were formalised following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava.
Among the key outcomes was an MoU on cooperation in labour migration, designed to facilitate safe, orderly and legal movement of workers between the two countries. The agreement will also strengthen information-sharing mechanisms between relevant authorities and improve professional mobility opportunities.
India and Slovakia further agreed to expand economic cooperation by enhancing the role of the India-Slovakia Joint Economic Committee (JEC). The committee will identify and promote sectors with high potential for collaboration and investment.
According to the joint statement issued after the bilateral talks, both leaders committed to strengthening trade and investment relations across sectors such as automotive manufacturing, electronics, advanced technologies and industrial production.
The two countries also agreed to explore new avenues for increasing bilateral trade and two-way investments by leveraging Slovakia’s established industrial capabilities and India’s rapidly growing innovation and technology ecosystem.
The visit is expected to open new opportunities for businesses, professionals and students from both countries while laying the groundwork for a stronger strategic and economic partnership in the years ahead.