India, Slovakia sign Letter of Intent on defence cooperation aimed at joint development, joint production, cooperation
Bratislava, June 15
India and Slovakia on Monday signed a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation aimed at boosting joint development, joint production, and collaboration between the defence industries of the two countries, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral strategic ties.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his joint press statement with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava.
Highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, PM Modi said that the cooperation in defence was a "testament" to a high level of mutual confidence and common strategic vision.
"Our defence cooperation is a testament to our deep mutual trust and strategic convergence. I am pleased that we have signed a Letter of Intent in this important sector today. This will give new momentum to joint development, joint production, and cooperation between defence industries," the Prime Minister said.
Fico, during his remarks, also expressed his interest in collaboration in the field of defence.
"I am also interested in a cooperation in the field of defence industry," the Slovak PM said.
The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in several sectors and reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy amid the current global challenges.
"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," he stated.
In another key development, PM Modi announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour migration aimed at facilitating greater mobility for professionals and skilled workers between the two countries.
"Today, we announced an MoU on labour migration to enhance the mobility of professionals and skilled workers between our two countries. We will also soon finalise an MoU on social security," the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to his Slovak counterpart to visit India.
"On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I invite you to visit India, and I am delighted that you have publicly accepted this invitation," he added.
The discussions between the two leaders reflected the growing momentum in India-Slovakia relations, with both sides expressing a desire to deepen cooperation across defence, trade, workforce mobility, and international affairs.
The signing of the Letter of Intent on defence cooperation is expected to open new avenues for collaboration in defence manufacturing and technology, further strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Slovakia.
PM Modi, during his addresses, also announced the elevation of India-Slovakia relations to a "Comprehensive Partnership", while expressing gratitude towards Prime Minister Fico, calling him an "experienced leader and a true friend of India".
"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. This reflects our shared trust, common priorities, and a shared vision for the future," PM Modi said.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome by his Slovak counterpart against the backdrop of the historic Bratislava Castle. PM Modi was warmly received by Prime Minister Fico ahead of the two leaders' discussions focused on expanding cooperation across a range of sectors and addressing shared priorities.
"Against the backdrop of the historic Bratislava Castle, Prime Minister PM Narendra Modi was warmly received by Prime Minister Robert Fico. PM was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Today's discussions are aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors and shared priorities," the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a post on X.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Joint development and production is the way forward. We shouldn't just buy weapons, we should co-create. This MoU on labour migration is also welcome - our skilled youth need more opportunities abroad.
Hope this isn't just another photo-op. We've signed so many defence MoUs that gather dust. Need concrete projects and timelines. Also, social security MoU for Indian workers is long overdue.
First Indian PM to visit Slovakia - this is historic! 🇮🇳🤝🇸🇰 Europe is realising India's strategic importance. Defence + labour mobility = smart diplomacy. Fico seems genuinely interested in partnership.
Good to see India diversifying defence partnerships beyond Russia and US. Slovakia has good engineering talent. But we need to ensure technology transfer happens, not just assembly lines.
Labour migration MoU is the real winner here. Our nurses, engineers, IT professionals will benefit. And social security agreement? Finally some recognition for our workers' contributions abroad. 👏
Comprehensive partnership elevation is significant. Central Europe is often overlooked by India. This opens doors for trade too. Hopefully defence cooperation will lead to more high-tech jobs in India.
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