THE FIRST VISIT BY AN INDIAN PM TO SLOVAKIA SINCE ITS INDEPENDENCE IN 1993

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bratislava, Slovakia, on June 14, 2026, for a two-day State Visit. This marks the historic first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993. PM Modi was received by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár and accorded the traditional Slovak welcome of bread and salt, symbolizing hospitality and goodwill.

The visit will energise India's strategic partnership with the European Union, of which Slovakia is an important and valued member. Members of the Indian community in Bratislava welcomed him with slogans upon his arrival. Upon the Prime Minister's arrival, the 'Lúčnica Ensemble' of Slovak musicians performed 'Vande Mataram'.

Prime Minister Modi also witnessed a spiritual performance by the Slovak musical group Mahadeva Kirtan Projekt. Drummer and percussionist Marek Zilinec, founder of the ensemble, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform before the Indian leader.

The Prime Minister also watched a traditional Slovak dance performance by Kopaniciarik, a renowned children's folk ensemble from the Myjava region of Slovakia.

HIGH-LEVEL TALKS

PM Modi held high-level talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. The talks aim to deepen bilateral relations, with a primary focus on expanding cooperation in trade, technology, investment, automobile manufacturing, and railway development. The visit will certainly reaffirm India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Slovakia.

India and Slovakia decided to upgrade their bilateral relations to the level of a ‘Comprehensive Partnership’. Eleven agreements were signed to enhance cooperation between the two countries in areas such as migration, digital technology, defense, and education.

PM Modi paid tribute to martyred soldiers by laying a floral wreath at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’. He also attended a special high-tea event held on the banks of the Danube River.

MEETING WITH BUSINESS LEADERS

Prime Minister also interacted with Slovak business leaders, along with the Prime Minister of Slovakia, to deepen economic engagements, boost investment flows, and expand cooperation across important sectors. He invited Slovak companies to take advantage of the growing opportunities in India, particularly in infrastructure, defense, renewable energy, digital innovation, semiconductors, AI, and healthcare. Industry leaders welcomed India’s reforms towards Viksit Bharat and expressed confidence in India’s economic trajectory. They expressed interest in strengthening their footprint in India through increased investments, technology partnerships, and joint ventures with Indian enterprises. 

SLOVAKIA's HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOUR

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Slovakia's highest civilian honour, 'The Order of the White Double Cross (First Class).' He was honoured in the capital, Bratislava. Upon receiving the award, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Slovakia. He stated that this honour belongs to India's 1.4 billion people and dedicated it to the strong and enduring friendship between India and Slovakia.

5 KEY POINTS FROM MODI'S STATEMENT AT THE JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE

PM Modi decided to elevate the relationship to the status of a comprehensive partnership. He stated that this symbolizes our mutual trust, priorities, and future.

Expressed special gratitude to PM Fico for the cooperation extended by Slovakia in finalizing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

An 'India Chair' dedicated to AI is being established at a university in Slovakia. Our shared vision is for AI to become a powerful medium for the service and progress of humanity.

Defence cooperation is a testament to our deep mutual trust and strategic alignment. I am pleased that we signed a Letter of Intent in this important sector today.

The translation of India's ancient Upanishads into the Slovak language is an excellent example of our cultural closeness.

INDIA-SLOVAKIA TRADE TO REACH ₹17,000 CRORE BY 2025

Slovakia produces over a million passenger vehicles annually. It is home to factories belonging to Volkswagen, Kia, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volvo. The automotive sector accounts for 14% of Slovakia's GDP.

In 2025, India exported goods worth approximately ₹14,500 crore to Slovakia. These included small automotive parts, mobile phones, textiles, and clothing.

Slovakia's workforce is shrinking by 15,000 to 20,000 people annually. Consequently, the demand for foreign workers is steadily rising.

India imports vehicles, large industrial machinery, integrated electronics, and processed rubber from Slovakia.

More than 9,200 Indians live in Slovakia. Indians in Slovakia work in IT services, development centers, and technical sectors.

PM Modi expressed special gratitude to the Prime Minister of Slovakia for the country's cooperation in finalizing the India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He stated that India and the EU would work towards the early implementation of this agreement so that industries, startups, and traders from both sides could derive maximum benefit from it. 

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). PM Modi stated that India and Slovakia share a vision for AI to serve as a powerful instrument for the progress and well-being of humanity. He emphasized that the future of AI should be grounded not merely in innovation, but in the values ​​of trust, responsibility, and human dignity.