PM Modi welcomed in Slovakia with rendition of 'Vande Mataram'
Bratislava, June 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Bratislava, Slovakia, on Sunday with a rendition of the national song "Vande Mataram" by the renowned Lucnica Ensemble, and an enthusiastic reception from members of the Indian diaspora during his historic visit to the European nation.
The visit marks the first-ever trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country's independence in 1993, underscoring the growing partnership between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a post on X, highlighted the significance of the visit, stating, "PM @narendramodi has arrived in Slovakia. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia's independence, marking a historic milestone in India-Slovakia relations. Upon arrival at the hotel, PM was received by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mr Juraj Blanar and given a warm Slovak welcome of bread and salt, a symbol of hospitality, respect and goodwill. The visit is set to further strengthen bilateral ties and open new avenues for partnership."
At a hotel in Bratislava, the Lucnica Ensemble rendered "Vande Mataram" in honour of the Prime Minister's visit. The group had also performed the Indian national anthem during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Slovakia in 2025.
Speaking about the experience, a member of the ensemble said, "It was a wonderful experience. He was very polite and grateful to us. It was especially memorable because I had never performed before a Prime Minister before."
Another member of the group, Eva, said, "He was very polite. I like Indians as they are very kind."
Prime Minister Modi also witnessed a spiritual performance by the Slovak musical group Mahadeva Kirtan Projekt. Drummer and percussionist Marek Zilinec, founder of the ensemble, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform before the Indian leader.
"It was an honour, and we are thankful that we could play for him. I am thankful to the Embassy of India in Bratislava, Slovakia, for giving us this opportunity," Zilinec said.
Adding to the cultural welcome, the Prime Minister watched a traditional Slovak dance performance by Kopaniciarik, a renowned children's folk ensemble from the Myjava region of Slovakia.
Upon arrival, PM Modi was accorded the traditional Slovak welcome of bread and salt, a centuries-old custom symbolising hospitality, respect and goodwill. In Slovak culture, bread represents prosperity and sustenance, while salt signifies friendship, value and protection. The tradition is often reserved for honoured guests and reflects the importance Slovaks place on welcoming visitors warmly.
Members of the Indian diaspora gathered in large numbers in Bratislava and greeted the Prime Minister with enthusiasm. PM Modi interacted with members of the community and acknowledged their contributions to strengthening ties between India and Slovakia.
"It is a matter of good fortune for me that I got the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister interacted with all of us," a member of the Indian diaspora said.
Earlier, PM Modi said in a post on X, "Reached Bratislava. This visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. Looking forward to productive meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico."
The Prime Minister is visiting Slovakia at the invitation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. During the visit, he is scheduled to hold talks with Fico and meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, automobile manufacturing, railway development and other strategic sectors.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 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
It's heartwarming how the Slovak performers went out of their way to learn our national song and anthem. Eva's comment about Indians being kind was so genuine! But I do wish our government would focus equally on improving infrastructure and healthcare back home rather than just foreign visits. Still, a nice diplomatic gesture overall.
Brilliant! The Lucnica Ensemble also performed for President Murmu, and now they've done it again. This shows consistent cultural exchange, not just a one-off event. The Mahadeva Kirtan Projekt existing in Slovakia is a surprise - amazing to see Indian spiritual music reaching Eastern Europe! Hope this visit leads to real trade agreements in automobile and railway sectors as mentioned.
As someone who has traveled to Slovakia for work, I can tell you that Eastern Europeans really respect India's ancient culture. This bread and salt ceremony is their highest honor - they do it for VIPs only. PM Modi's ability to connect with small cultural groups like the children's folk ensemble shows a personal touch that goes beyond formal diplomacy. Well played, India!
While the cultural welcome is wonderful, I hope the discussions go beyond optics. Slovakia has strong automotive and engineering sectors - we need concrete MoUs, technology transfers, and investment deals. Also, why is this only the first visit since 1993? We should've engaged with smaller European nations much earlier. Better late than never though! Let's see what comes out of the talks with President Pellegrini.
The Indian diaspora's excitement is so relatable! We often take for granted how our community spreads warmth
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