PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Slovak PM Robert Fico in Bratislava
Bratislava, June 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico in Bratislava on Monday during his visit to Slovakia, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the European nation.
The Indian delegation participating in the talks included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George and Additional Secretary in the MEA Puja Kapur.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Bratislava and was accorded a Guard of Honour upon his arrival as he began the second leg of his European tour.
PM Modi also met Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the historic Bratislava Castle for bilateral engagements. Ahead of their formal talks, the two leaders visited an art exhibition.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were among those present in the Indian delegation accompanying the Prime Minister.
PM Modi was received by Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar at the airport on Sunday evening and accorded a symbolic, traditional Slovak greeting- the offering of bread and salt.
In a post on X, he said, "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."
The reception for PM Modi included the Kopaniciarik children's folk ensemble from the Myjava region, dressed in vibrant, traditional Slovak attire, who performed a lively folk dance.
In another post on X, PM Modi shared snippets from the captivating performance, stating, "Folk traditions such as these help preserve one's culture and history."
He also expressed gratitude to the Indian community for their warmth and affection as he arrived as India's first PM to visit the country, highlighting that such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect the people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship.
Prime Minister Modi is in Slovakia on a three-day visit at the invitation of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. The visit follows President Droupadi Murmu's State Visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and the Slovak President Peter Pellegrini's visit to India for the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.
During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Fico and meet with President Pellegrini. Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, automobile manufacturing, railway development and other strategic sectors.
In his departure statement ahead of his visit to France and Slovakia, PM had said, "I look forward to holding discussions with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico in Bratislava. I will also have the opportunity to interact with Slovak business leaders. Building on the momentum of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the visit will further energise our Strategic Partnership with the European Union, of which Slovakia is an important and valued member."
The Ministry of External Affairs underlined that the visit will reaffirm India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Slovakia and build upon recent high-level exchanges between the two countries.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While diplomatic visits are nice, I hope these talks translate into actual benefits for common Indians—like cheaper European cars or more job opportunities in tech and manufacturing. The photo ops are great but let's see concrete outcomes. Still, proud to see India being taken seriously globally.
The folk dance performance by Slovak children was so heartwarming! PM Modi rightly said traditions preserve culture. These soft power exchanges matter as much as trade deals—builds trust between people. Plus, after President Murmu's visit last year, this shows continuous engagement. Well done, MEA! 👏
Interesting to see India making inroads in Central Europe. Slovakia has strong industrial base, especially in automotive. With India's push for electric vehicles and renewable energy, there's real synergy here. The EU FTA momentum is crucial—hope it gets concluded soon for mutual benefit.
Every visit like this strengthens India's position globally. But what about the Indian diaspora there? I hope the PM also discussed their welfare, especially given the Ukraine war situation affecting Central Europe. The cultural exchange is wonderful but diaspora connect matters too.
Impressive delegation—Jaishankar, Doval, Misri all there. Shows the strategic importance Slovakia holds now. The railway development cooperation is smart given India's massive infra push. First PM to visit is a milestone; hope it leads to more trade and student exchanges.
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