Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Croatia, bridging centuries and continents.

PM Modi arrived in Croatia at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic after attending the G7 summit. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia since its independence in 1991 and the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992. S Jaishankar was the first Indian Foreign Minister to visit Croatia in 2021.

 

Mantras were recited and Indian dances were performed to welcome Prime Minister Modi in the capital, Zagreb. More than 17 thousand Indians live here. This visit is considered an important step towards strengthening the relations between India and Croatia as well as further strengthening India's partnership with the countries of the European Union. This visit of PM Modi is an indication that India wants to further expand its relations with Europe.

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND CROATIA

There are 33 years of diplomatic relations with Croatia and more than 20 agreements have been signed so far. These agreements have been made in various fields including trade, science-technology, education, culture, health, agriculture, defense, and tourism. Diplomatic relations between India and Croatia began on July 9, 1992. On this day India recognized Croatia as an independent country.

 

Since then there have been strong diplomatic relations between the two countries. India sends goods to European countries through Croatia's port. Interest in Ayurveda and Yoga has increased in Croatia. Because of this, India has also opened Ayurveda centers there. India exports medicines, machinery, textiles, auto parts, etc. to Croatia, while importing chemicals, engineering products, and technology services.

PM MODI AND PRIME MINISTER PLENKOVIC HELD BILATERAL TALKS

India and Croatia share centuries-old close cultural ties. This first visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Croatia will certainly open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Both countries want to enhance bilateral relations. Being a member of the European Union, Croatia has its own importance in the world.

 

Talks were held between the two countries regarding areas such as defense and security, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, renewable energy, technology, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and connectivity. The two countries will also increase research partnerships between academic institutions and the space sector. India and Croatia will also jointly prepare a long-term defense cooperation plan.

FOUR AGREEMENTS WERE SIGNED DURING THE VISIT

• One is the agreement on agriculture and allied activities, wherein as many as 30 areas of cooperation have been identified. 
• The second agreement is related to the cooperation program in science and technology. Under this, both countries will identify joint projects and joint research projects in all areas of science and technology.
• The third one is the cultural exchange program, which is being extended for five more years.
• And the last one is the extension of the already ongoing Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb.

 

Additionally, India and Croatia are likely to deepen their collaboration, particularly with the influx of Indian workers to Croatia.

BRIEF HISTORY OF CROATIA

Croatia rebelled and separated in 1991. Croatia officially declared its independence from Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991. Before this, the country was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which consisted of a total of six republics. However, the Yugoslav government and its army opposed this, which led to the Croatian War.

 

This war lasted for about four years (1991-1995), in which thousands of people were killed and millions were rendered homeless. Peace was established due to the pressure and mediation of the United Nations and the European Union. Croatia received formal recognition by European countries on 15 January 1992 and later it was also given membership by the United Nations.

 

SIX INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CROATIA

 

The world's first tie came from Croatia: The tie called Cravat was worn by Croatian soldiers, which gave rise to the modern tie.

Game of Thrones shooting: The famous series 'Game of Thrones' was shot in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, which was shown as 'King's Landing'.

 

More than 1,200 islands: Croatia has more than 1,200 small and big islands, but only a few of them are inhabited.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Croatia has more than 10 World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Split and Diocletian's Palace.

 

Birthplace of Nikola Tesla: The birthplace of the great scientist Nikola Tesla is today's Croatia, when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

 

The smallest city of Hum in the world: The smallest city of Hum in the world is Croatia, whose population is only around 20-25 people.

MODI's VISIT TO CROATIA: A SPECIAL EMOTIONAL AND CULTURAL WEIGHT

 

Prime Minister Modi's visit is more than just a diplomatic milestone. It reflects the centuries-old deep cultural ties, linked by a shared love for Sanskrit, yoga, and civilizational wisdom. The relationship between the two countries has long roots and continues to grow through language, spirituality, and shared curiosity.

Today, Sanskrit continues to be studied at the University of Zagreb, while yoga and Ayurveda are widely adopted by Croatian citizens as a meaningful part of daily life.

 

The emotional and cultural attachment to Croatia speaks not just of business and strategy, but also of mutual respect that has quietly grown over generations. Although Croatia may be a small country in size, it represents a truly important partner for India. Indian companies see it as a gateway to Europe, and Croatian businesses see India as a fast-growing market for innovation and technology.

 

Croatia is also a favourite tourist destination among Europeans, famous for its picturesque Adriatic coastline, heritage cities like Dubrovnik, and rich cultural heritage. Indian tourists, who are more interested in European places beyond the Schengen circuit, recognize Croatia as a budget-friendly and picturesque option. In recent times Indian films have been shot in Croatia, leading to cultural exposure and public interest. This has contributed to an increase in tourism exchanges and film shootings.

 

Sanskrit is studied at the University of Zagreb, and yoga has spread widely, reflecting deep cultural ties and a shared fascination for civilizational knowledge systems. Ivan Filip Vezdin, a Croatian scholar, produced the first printed Sanskrit grammar in 1790. His achievement was commemorated with a commemorative plaque unveiled in Trivandrum in 1999.

 

The University of Zagreb has maintained a Department of Indology with academic conversations on Indian languages, philosophy, and literature for over six decades. A number of cultural organizations focused on Indian spirituality and health have a significant presence in the country. These are organizations such as Yoga in Daily Life, Art of Living Foundation, ISKCON, Bhakti Marga, and Vedic Center, most of which are initiated and supported by Croatian citizens.