Prime Minister Modi, addressing the media after the talks, described Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico as a close friend of India and an experienced global leader whose engagement has contributed to strengthening bilateral ties. The Indian Prime Minister highlighted that the visit itself represented a historic moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The leaders held extensive discussions focused on expanding cooperation across trade, investment, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Prime Minister Modi noted that while bilateral trade and economic engagement have progressed, the potential for growth remains significantly higher. He identified automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing, and green technologies as priority sectors for future collaboration, stating that both countries had taken important decisions to advance shared economic interests.
A key outcome of the visit was Slovakia’s support for the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, which both sides view as a major driver for economic expansion. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of early implementation of the agreement to enable businesses, startups, and traders in both countries to benefit from enhanced market access and investment opportunities.
Technology emerged as a central pillar of the renewed partnership, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on digital technologies aimed at expanding cooperation in digital public infrastructure. In a significant academic initiative, the establishment of an India Chair in Artificial Intelligence at a Slovak university was also announced, reflecting shared priorities in innovation and responsible AI development grounded in trust, accountability, and human dignity.
The two leaders also explored expanding cooperation in space technology, recalling that Slovakia’s first satellite was launched by India in 2017. With India’s space sector advancing rapidly, Prime Minister Modi invited Slovak companies to participate in future opportunities within the domain.
Civil nuclear energy was identified as another important area for collaboration, with both sides agreeing to enhance engagement between industry stakeholders and experts. Defence cooperation also received renewed momentum through the signing of a Letter of Intent, aimed at strengthening joint development, co-production, and deeper engagement between defence industries.
On global issues, both leaders reaffirmed their shared position that international disputes must be resolved peacefully. They also emphasized the need for reforms in global institutions to reflect contemporary global realities and emerging challenges.
Cultural and people-to-people ties were highlighted as a strong foundation of the bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Modi referred to the translation of India’s ancient Upanishads into Slovak as a symbol of cultural closeness. He also noted the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in Slovakia’s economic and social development.
The leaders further announced an agreement to facilitate labour mobility between the two countries, along with plans to finalize an agreement on social security. These measures are expected to enhance professional exchange and mobility of skilled workers.
Prime Minister Modi concluded the engagement by inviting Prime Minister Fico to visit India, an invitation that was publicly accepted, reinforcing expectations of continued high-level exchanges. The visit included participation by senior Indian officials, including the External Affairs Minister, National Security Advisor, Foreign Secretary, and other top diplomatic representatives.
The visit followed earlier engagements between the two countries, including visits by the Slovak President to India and the President of India’s visit to Slovakia in 2025. The outcomes of the talks are expected to significantly deepen cooperation across strategic, economic, technological, and cultural domains, marking a new phase in India–Slovakia relations.
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