PM Modi, Slovakian counterpart Fico pay tributes at Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Bratislava
Bratislava, June 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Bratislava, honouring the courage and sacrifice of the fallen heroes and remembering their courage, dedication and enduring legacy for Slovakia's liberation.
The two leaders were also seen engaged in a conversation as they came to pay tribute at the monument in Bratislava.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Fico held a meeting in Bratislava, where they explored new avenues of cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, technology and innovation, space and nuclear energy, education and culture and talent mobility and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders also discussed regional and global issues, including reform of the United Nations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other officials also attended the meeting.
Sharing details regarding the meeting on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, PM Narendra Modi and PM Robert Fico reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations and explored new avenues of cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, technology and innovation, space and nuclear energy, education and culture and talent mobility and people-to-people exchanges. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues, including reform of the United Nations."
"The leaders noted that the implementation of the historic India-EU FTA will unlock substantial opportunities in trade, manufacturing, investment and employment generations, particularly for the youth. In a significant step, both leaders agreed to elevate India-Slovakia ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. The meeting resulted in several outcomes including in the areas of digital tech, defence, cybersecurity, post-quantum technologies, Audio-Visual creation, mobility, scientific cooperation including nuclear," he added.
PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome in Bratislava. Prior to the meeting, PM Fico welcomed PM Modi and the two leaders warmly greeted each other.
PM Modi arrived in Bratislava on Sunday for a two-day State Visit to Slovakia. He was received by the Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar at the hotel where the Prime Minister was accorded a traditional Slovak welcome. This will be This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence in 1993.
Upon arrival in Slovakia, PM Modi stated that this visit will provide an opportunity to deepen ties between the two nations and explore new avenues of cooperation.
PM Modi's visit follows President Droupadi Murmu's State Visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini's visit to India for the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see India deepening ties with Central Europe. But I hope the talk about nuclear and defense cooperation doesn't just remain on paper—we need concrete outcomes, not just photo ops. The FTA with EU is critical for our IT and pharma exports.
Thoda historical perspective dena chahiye—Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia and fought against Nazi occupation. Our soldiers also fought in Europe during WWII. This tribute connects us to that shared history. The Modi-Fico meet might seem small, but every alliance matters in today's multipolar world. 🇮🇳🤝🇸🇰
As an American, I find it interesting to see India expanding its diplomatic reach into Europe. The EU-India FTA could reshape global trade dynamics. However, I wonder about the timing—with ongoing tensions in the region, how much will Slovakia commit to defense ties?
Ye wohi Slovakia hai jahan se hamare IT professionals Europe mein jobs kar rahe hain? Good to see the people-to-people exchanges being highlighted. But the real test will be in implementation—especially in areas like post-quantum tech and cybersecurity. Let's hope the MoUs translate into real projects.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.