New Delhi, June 15 (UNI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bratislava on Monday on a landmark visit aimed at strengthening India's engagement with Slovakia, expressing confidence that the trip would open new avenues of cooperation and further deepen the growing partnership between the two countries.
Shortly after landing in the Slovak capital, Modi said the visit offered an important opportunity to enhance bilateral relations and advance collaboration across a range of sectors. He also looked forward to meetings with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico.
"Reached Bratislava. This visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. Looking forward to productive meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico," Modi said in a post on social media platform X.
The Prime Minister received a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival, including the traditional Slovak offering of bread and salt, a centuries-old custom symbolising hospitality, goodwill and friendship. Acknowledging the gesture, Modi described it as a reflection of Slovakia's rich cultural heritage and the values cherished by its people.
"The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia's rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish," he wrote.
The visit also featured a cultural programme showcasing Slovak folk traditions. Modi attended a performance by the folk ensemble Kopaničiarik from the Myjava region, praising the role of traditional arts in preserving a nation's history and identity.
"Witnessed a captivating performance by Kopaniciarik from the Myjava region of Slovakia. Folk traditions such as these help preserve one's culture and history," the Prime Minister said.
Members of the Indian diaspora gathered to welcome Modi in Bratislava, reflecting the growing people-to-people links between the two countries. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the warm reception and said the affection shown by the community highlighted the enduring bonds connecting India and Slovakia.
"I am grateful to the Indian community for their warmth and affection. Such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect our people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship," he said.
Modi's visit comes as India seeks to broaden its engagement with Central and Eastern European nations amid evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics. Slovakia, a member of the European union and NATO, has emerged as an important partner in areas such as trade, investment, manufacturing, defence cooperation, innovation, information technology and mobility.
The Prime Minister's meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico are expected to focus on expanding economic cooperation, strengthening industrial partnerships, enhancing technological collaboration and boosting cultural and educational exchanges. Discussions are also likely to cover regional and global developments of mutual interest.
India and Slovakia have maintained friendly diplomatic relations for decades, with bilateral ties witnessing steady growth in recent years. Trade between the two countries has expanded, while Indian companies have increased their presence in Slovakia, particularly in the automotive, engineering and technology sectors. Slovak firms have also shown interest in opportunities created by India's growing economy and manufacturing ecosystem.
The Bratislava visit forms part of Modi's broader diplomatic outreach in Europe and is expected to provide fresh momentum to India-Slovakia relations by reinforcing political dialogue, economic cooperation and people-to-people contacts between the two nations.
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