Slovakia President Hails "Historic Milestone" in Ties After Meeting PM Modi

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, terming the meeting a historic milestone for bilateral ties. The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of relations and agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, digital technologies, defence, and energy. Pellegrini congratulated Modi on the exceptionally well-organized summit aimed at scaling AI responsibly for global benefit. They emphasized concrete results in innovation, secure technology, and talent exchanges to democratize AI for inclusive growth.

Key Points: Slovakia-India Ties Reach Historic Milestone in AI Summit Meeting

  • First-ever reception of a Slovak Head of State
  • Focus on AI democratization & cooperation
  • Review of bilateral trade & investment ties
  • Enhanced collaboration in digital tech & defence
2 min read

Historic milestone for bilateral ties: Slovakia President after meeting PM Modi

Slovak President Pellegrini meets PM Modi, calls it a historic milestone for bilateral relations focused on AI, trade, and technology cooperation.

"historic milestone for Slovakia-India ties - Peter Pellegrini"

New Delhi, Feb 20

Peter Pellegrini, President of the Slovak Republic, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, congratulating him on an "exceptionally well-organised" India AI Impact Summit 2026. He later termed his meeting with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi as a "historic milestone" for Slovakia-India ties.

The two leaders, who met on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in areas including trade and investment, digital technologies, defence, space, energy, culture & people-to-people linkages.

"Both leaders welcomed the fresh momentum in ties generated by the adoption of the landmark India-EU FTA and the India-EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda 2030. The leaders agreed to further strengthen India-Slovakia relations for mutual benefit especially in the digital sector," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated after the meeting.

Pellegrini highlighted that this was the "first-ever" reception of a Slovak Head of State, calling the meeting as a "historic milestone" for Slovakia-India ties.

"I congratulated him on an exceptionally well-organised India AI Impact Summit 2026 that brought together leaders, innovators and business to scale AI responsibly and strengthen global collaboration. We agreed AI must be democratised so it benefits people - not only a few," the Slovak President posted on X after meeting PM Modi.

"We also focused on concrete results in trade and investment, and on deeper cooperation in innovation, secure technology and talent, including academic and expert exchanges in the energy field," he added.

The theme of India AI Impact Summit 2026 is 'Welfare for all, happiness of all'. It aims to position India as a leader in the field of AI and envisions a future where AI advances humanity, fosters inclusive growth, and safeguards the shared planet.

Seven Working Groups anchor the Summit, aligned to three pillars: People, Planet, and Progress. These groups will work on delivering concrete outcomes demonstrating AI's impact across sectors. The seven themes are: AI for Economic Growth and Social Good; Democratizing AI Resources; Inclusion for Social Empowerment; Safe and Trusted AI; Human Capital; Science; Resilience, Innovation and Efficiency.

The Summit has brought together more than 500 Global AI Leaders, including CEOs/CXOs, around 100 CEOs and Founders, 150 Academicians and Researchers, and 400 CTOs, VPs, and Philanthropists. It is also engaging over 100 government representatives, including more than 20 Heads of State and Government and around 60 Ministers and Vice Ministers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the summit and diplomatic outreach sound impressive, I hope these discussions translate into real opportunities for Indian startups and MSMEs, not just big corporations. The proof will be in the investment and job creation on the ground.
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Rohit P
"Historic milestone" is a strong statement from the Slovak President. Shows how much India's global standing has grown. From trade to AI to space, we are becoming indispensable partners. Proud moment!
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Sarah B
The emphasis on "AI must be democratised" is key. As an expat working in Bengaluru's tech sector, I see both the potential and the risk of concentration. International collaboration like this is the right path forward.
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Karthik V
Good to see defence and space on the agenda alongside digital. Slovakia has niche expertise in engineering. Hope our students get more exchange opportunities in these fields. The talent pipeline needs strengthening.
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Nisha Z
Organising such a massive summit with 20+ heads of state is no small feat. The world is recognising India's organisational capability and leadership in emerging tech. Kudos to all involved! 👏

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