Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday announced a major upgrade in bilateral relations, elevating India-Slovakia ties to a Comprehensive Partnership during a historic state visit to the Slovak Republic. The visit, held at the invitation of Prime Minister Robert Fico, marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993.
The landmark engagement signifies a new era of cooperation between the two nations, built on decades of trust, equality and mutual respect. Both leaders agreed to strengthen existing mechanisms and create fresh opportunities for collaboration across strategic sectors including defence, digital technologies, trade, innovation, energy, education and security.
Historic Visit Ushers in a New Strategic Era
The leaders described the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations and formally elevated ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. The decision is aimed at expanding political, economic and technological engagement while enhancing cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels. Both countries stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and increasing interactions between governments, parliamentarians and institutions to deepen mutual understanding.
The two sides also highlighted the increasing importance of the Indo-Pacific region and committed to supporting open international trade, regional connectivity, freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order.
Support for UN Reforms
Prime Ministers Modi and Fico reiterated their strong support for multilateralism with the United Nations at its core. They called for urgent reforms in global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to make them more representative and aligned with present-day geopolitical realities.
India appreciated Slovakia’s continued support for India’s bid for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council. Slovakia also reaffirmed its constructive approach towards India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Both nations agreed to coordinate more closely in international organisations and global forums.
Defence Cooperation and Counter-Terrorism
Defence and security emerged as one of the most important aspects of the expanded partnership. The leaders welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation that will pave the way for collaboration in defence technologies, research, industrial partnerships and capacity building.
Both countries also strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and specifically denounced the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. India and Slovakia agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and called for decisive international action against terrorist networks, financiers and sponsors.
The leaders also reiterated support for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework.
Digital Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
India and Slovakia decided to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Digital Technologies. The agreement will strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, start-up ecosystems, research institutions and innovation-driven industries.
The two countries also agreed to explore opportunities in 5G applications, 6G standardisation, Internet of Things technologies and machine-to-machine communication systems.
In cybersecurity, both sides pledged to strengthen cooperation in protecting critical information infrastructure and tackling cybercrime. They also committed to preparing for future quantum computing challenges through enhanced post-quantum cryptography measures.
Trade, Investment and Industrial Partnerships to Expand
The leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations for the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement earlier this year and called for its swift implementation.
India and Slovakia agreed to strengthen the India-Slovakia Joint Economic Committee and identify sectors with high growth potential. The focus will be on automotive manufacturing, electronics, advanced industrial technologies and high-value production systems.
Both countries see immense opportunities in combining Slovakia’s industrial expertise with India’s manufacturing scale, technological innovation and rapidly expanding market. Slovakia’s strategic position in Central Europe is also expected to create new trade and investment opportunities for Indian businesses.
Cooperation in Energy, Water Security and Climate Action
Climate sustainability and energy security emerged as another priority area. India and Slovakia committed to strengthening cooperation to achieve net-zero emission goals through technology exchange and clean energy partnerships.
The two countries will work together in areas such as nuclear energy, geothermal power, energy diversification and joint research projects.
In addition, they agreed to expand collaboration in meteorology, hydrology and water resource management. Both governments will share expertise on dam safety, drinking water quality monitoring, water treatment technologies and climate-resilient rural water infrastructure.
Greater Connectivity Through Education, Mobility and Transport
The leaders announced measures to encourage stronger people-to-people relations by expanding educational exchanges and promoting mobility for students, researchers and skilled professionals.
A new Memorandum of Understanding in higher education and research will create opportunities for institutional partnerships and academic cooperation, especially in science, technology, engineering and humanities.
India and Slovakia also signed an agreement on labour migration and expressed their intention to finalise a Social Security Agreement that will protect professionals working between the two countries.
Recognising connectivity as a strategic priority, both sides also agreed to explore direct air connectivity to facilitate business, tourism and cultural exchanges.
Culture, Space Cooperation and Future Engagement
Cultural diplomacy also received a significant boost. The two nations signed an agreement on audio-visual creation to promote collaboration in film, media and cultural production.
India and Slovakia further agreed to explore cooperation in space technologies, satellite applications and scientific research partnerships.
Both leaders underlined the importance of maintaining regular dialogue and monitoring the implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership to ensure concrete outcomes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Robert Fico and the people of Slovakia for their warm hospitality. The two leaders concluded that the visit represents a transformative moment in bilateral relations and committed themselves to advancing India-Slovakia ties into a dynamic new phase of cooperation spanning security, technology, economy and people-centric partnerships.
