Historic Visit Elevates Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday concluded a landmark state visit to Slovakia — the first by an Indian leader since the country's independence in 1993. During the visit, PM Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership, marking a new chapter in ties between the two nations.
Addressing a joint press statement in Bratislava, PM Modi said, “I am pleased to have had the opportunity today to meet him and witness a historic moment in our relations. This visit marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia. I am delighted that on this historic occasion, we have decided to elevate our ties to a Comprehensive Partnership.”
PM Modi also extended an invitation to his Slovak counterpart to visit India, noting that Fico had publicly accepted the invitation.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and explored new avenues of cooperation across several key sectors:
- Trade and investment
- Defence and security
- Technology and innovation
- Space and nuclear energy
- Education and culture
- Talent mobility and people-to-people exchanges
Several agreements and understandings were signed, covering digital technologies, defence, cybersecurity, post-quantum technologies, audio-visual creation, mobility, and scientific cooperation including nuclear energy. An MoU on labour migration was also inked to enhance the mobility of professionals and skilled workers. PM Modi added, “We will also soon finalise an MoU on social security.”
Support for India-EFTA Trade Agreement
Slovak PM Fico voiced strong support for the recently concluded India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) agreement, calling it one of the most ambitious free trade deals ever negotiated. “It's one of the most ambitious free trade agreements which have ever been signed, and Slovakia is a country which not only welcomes this agreement but will take all necessary and practical steps to ensure that this agreement is implemented as fast as possible,” Fico said.
Global Coordination and UN Reforms
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including reforms in the United Nations. PM Modi stated, “India and Slovakia are also moving forward in close coordination on the global stage. We agree that all disputes and tensions should be resolved peacefully.”
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a list of outcomes from the meeting, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the upgraded partnership.
PM Modi's Itinerary
Earlier, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Fico against the backdrop of the historic Bratislava Castle. The Prime Minister had landed in Nice, France on Saturday, where he held bilateral talks with President Emmanuel Macron and jointly inaugurated 'Bharat Innovates'. He will return to France on Tuesday to attend the G7 summit in Evian on June 16 and 17.
FAQ
What is the significance of PM Modi's visit to Slovakia?
It is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence in 1993. The visit elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership.
What agreements were signed between India and Slovakia?
Agreements were signed in digital technologies, defence, cybersecurity, post-quantum technologies, audio-visual creation, mobility, and scientific cooperation including nuclear energy. An MoU on labour migration was also signed.
Did PM Modi invite his Slovak counterpart to India?
Yes, PM Modi invited Slovak PM Robert Fico to India, who publicly accepted the invitation.
What did PM Modi say about global issues?
PM Modi stated that India and Slovakia agree that all disputes and tensions should be resolved peacefully, and they are coordinating on UN reforms.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com