India and Slovakia Sign Defence Cooperation Letter of Intent, Elevate Bilateral Ties to Comprehensive Partnership
India and Slovakia signed a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation in Bratislava, focusing on joint development and production in defence industries. The leaders elevated bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership and agreed on labour migration and social security MoUs, strengthening strategic and economic ties between the two nations.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint press statement with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to deepen defence engagement and expand industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the defence cooperation reflects a high level of mutual trust and strategic convergence between India and Slovakia. He stated that the newly signed Letter of Intent would provide fresh momentum to joint development initiatives, joint production efforts, and broader collaboration between their defence industries. He described the development as a “testament to deep mutual trust and strategic convergence” between the two nations.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also expressed openness to strengthening ties in the defence sector, stating his interest in cooperation within the defence industry. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision of expanding bilateral cooperation while maintaining global peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy amid evolving international challenges.
During the discussions, both sides reiterated their commitment to resolving disputes and tensions through peaceful means and enhancing coordination on global issues. The leaders noted growing alignment between India and Slovakia on key international priorities.
In a significant parallel development, Prime Minister Modi announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on labour migration, designed to enhance the mobility of skilled professionals and workers between India and Slovakia. He further stated that an additional Memorandum of Understanding on social security would be finalized soon, further strengthening institutional frameworks for workforce cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit India. The Slovak leader reportedly accepted the invitation, marking another step toward deepening high-level engagement between the two countries.
The bilateral discussions reflected strong momentum in India–Slovakia relations, with both sides expressing intent to expand cooperation across defence, trade, labour mobility, and international affairs. The leaders also agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership, signalling a new phase in diplomatic engagement.
Prime Minister Modi described Prime Minister Fico as an experienced leader and a true friend of India, emphasizing the historic nature of the visit as the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia. The meeting, held against the backdrop of Bratislava Castle, included a ceremonial welcome hosted by Prime Minister Fico, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the occasion.
The signing of the defence cooperation Letter of Intent, alongside agreements on labour migration and upcoming social security arrangements, is expected to open new pathways for strategic collaboration and institutional connectivity, further strengthening long-term India–Slovakia relations.

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