India, Slovakia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Partnership

• India and Slovakia upgrade bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership
• Defence Letter of Intent signed to boost joint development and production
• New agreements on digital technology and labour mobility announced
• PM Modi invites Slovak firms to participate in India’s growing space sector

GG News Bureau
Bratislava, 15th June: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced that India and Slovakia have decided to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, marking a new chapter in ties between the two countries during his historic visit to the European nation.

Addressing a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Modi described the visit as a landmark moment, noting that it was the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country’s independence in 1993.

“I am happy that on this historic occasion we have decided to elevate our relationship to the status of a Comprehensive Partnership. It is a symbol of our shared trust, shared priorities and shared future,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister thanked Fico for the warm welcome and praised him as a true friend of India who has played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations.

Focus on Trade, Manufacturing and Green Technologies
Modi said both leaders held extensive discussions on expanding cooperation across sectors and expressed satisfaction over the growth in bilateral trade and economic engagement.

He identified automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing and green technologies as key areas of future collaboration.

“Both countries possess immense potential and even greater aspirations. We have taken several important decisions by combining our strengths for the benefit of our people,” he said.

The Prime Minister also thanked Slovakia for supporting efforts to finalize the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expressing hope for its early implementation to benefit industries, startups and traders.

Technology and AI Cooperation
Highlighting technology as a cornerstone of future cooperation, Modi welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on digital technology, saying it would create new opportunities in Digital Public Infrastructure.

He also welcomed the establishment of an India Chair on Artificial Intelligence at a Slovak university.

“India and Slovakia share the belief that AI should serve humanity and progress. The future of AI must be based on trust, responsibility and human dignity,” he said.

Space and Nuclear Collaboration
Modi pointed to growing opportunities in the space sector, recalling that Slovakia’s first satellite was launched by India in 2017.

“India’s space sector is reaching new heights at an unprecedented pace. I invite Slovak companies to become part of this growth journey,” he said.

The Prime Minister also identified civil nuclear energy as a priority area and stressed the need for stronger cooperation between experts and industries of both countries.

Defence Partnership Gets Boost
Defence cooperation featured prominently during the talks, with both sides signing a Letter of Intent aimed at enhancing joint development, joint production and industry-level collaboration.

Modi said defence cooperation reflects the deep trust and strategic convergence between India and Slovakia.

Shared Views on Global Challenges
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and agreed that disputes and tensions should be resolved through peaceful means.

Modi said India and Slovakia support reform of global institutions to better reflect the realities and challenges of the 21st century.

Mobility and Cultural Ties
The Prime Minister highlighted the strong cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries, noting that ancient Indian Upanishads have been translated into the Slovak language.

He also announced a new agreement on labour migration to facilitate greater mobility of professionals and skilled workers. Both countries are also working to finalize a social security agreement.

Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Fico to visit India, which the Slovak leader publicly accepted.

Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral relations, Modi said the newly elevated Comprehensive Partnership would create new opportunities, shared prosperity and a brighter future for the people of both countries.