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Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his historic visit to Slovakia, saying the outcomes of the trip would significantly strengthen bilateral ties and create new opportunities through deeper trade relations.
The visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia became independent in 1993, saw India and Slovakia elevate their relationship to a comprehensive partnership and sign a series of agreements spanning defence, technology, education and labour mobility.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Concluding a historic and productive visit to Slovakia. The outcomes of this visit will go a long way in strengthening bilateral ties between our nations. Stronger trade relations will greatly benefit our youth. Gratitude to the Slovakian government and people for the warmth. I am very grateful to Prime Minister Fico for coming to see me off."
During the visit, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini conferred on PM Modi the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class), Slovakia's highest national honour. The award marked the 33rd international honour bestowed upon the Indian Prime Minister.
Sharing a photograph of the ceremony on social media, PM wrote, "I am deeply honoured to receive the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class) in Bratislava this evening. My gratitude to the people and government of Slovakia on behalf of myself and the 1.4 billion people of India. I dedicate this award to the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia."
The two countries agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, creating a broader framework for cooperation across political, economic, technological and strategic sectors.
During his meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, PM Modi described the visit as a "very special moment" in India-Slovakia relations.
In a post on X, the PM said discussions focused on expanding cooperation in sectors including automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing and green technology.
Alongside the upgraded ties, India and Slovakia signed 11 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements and announced new institutional mechanisms to strengthen cooperation in security and consular affairs.
The two sides also established a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and a structured Consular Dialogue mechanism to facilitate cooperation on consular issues and people-to-people exchanges.
The countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation and welcomed a Letter of Intent aimed at promoting collaboration in the defence sector.
Several agreements centred on emerging technologies and innovation.
India and Slovakia signed an MoU on Digital Technologies and another agreement on Quantum Communication and Critical Infrastructure Protection, reflecting their shared interest in cybersecurity and next-generation technologies.
The two countries also signed an MoU on Higher Education and Research to promote academic exchanges and institutional partnerships.
Further strengthening educational cooperation, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the Slovak Technical University signed an agreement covering student exchange programmes, scholarships and research collaboration.
Scientific cooperation was expanded through an agreement between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS).
A major initiative announced during the visit was the establishment of the first-ever ICCR Chair in Artificial Intelligence at the Technical University of Kosice in Slovakia.
The two countries signed an MoU on Labour Migration to facilitate the movement of skilled professionals and deepen cooperation between relevant authorities.
Cultural ties also received a boost through an MoU on Audio-visual Creation, which is expected to encourage collaboration in film and media production.
Tourism cooperation was strengthened through an agreement between tour operator associations of both countries.
In the healthcare sector, the National Institute of Naturopathy in Pune and Slovak Health Spa Piestany signed an MoU to promote cooperation in wellness and traditional healthcare practices.
The agreements reflected the broadening scope of India-Slovakia relations, with both sides seeking deeper engagement in technology, education, defence, culture and economic cooperation.
The visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia became independent in 1993, saw India and Slovakia elevate their relationship to a comprehensive partnership and sign a series of agreements spanning defence, technology, education and labour mobility.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Concluding a historic and productive visit to Slovakia. The outcomes of this visit will go a long way in strengthening bilateral ties between our nations. Stronger trade relations will greatly benefit our youth. Gratitude to the Slovakian government and people for the warmth. I am very grateful to Prime Minister Fico for coming to see me off."
Končím historickú a produktívnu návštevu Slovenska. Výsledky tejto návštevy výrazne prispejú k posilneniu bilaterálnych vzťahov medzi našimi krajinami. Silnejšie obchodné vzťahy prinesú významné prínosy najmä pre našu mládež a budúce generácie.
Ďakujem vláde Slovenskej republiky… pic.twitter.com/FgiH27iVgS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2026
During the visit, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini conferred on PM Modi the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class), Slovakia's highest national honour. The award marked the 33rd international honour bestowed upon the Indian Prime Minister.
Sharing a photograph of the ceremony on social media, PM wrote, "I am deeply honoured to receive the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class) in Bratislava this evening. My gratitude to the people and government of Slovakia on behalf of myself and the 1.4 billion people of India. I dedicate this award to the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia."
Comprehensive Partnership marks a new chapter
The two countries agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, creating a broader framework for cooperation across political, economic, technological and strategic sectors.
During his meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, PM Modi described the visit as a "very special moment" in India-Slovakia relations.
In a post on X, the PM said discussions focused on expanding cooperation in sectors including automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing and green technology.
Alongside the upgraded ties, India and Slovakia signed 11 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements and announced new institutional mechanisms to strengthen cooperation in security and consular affairs.
The two sides also established a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and a structured Consular Dialogue mechanism to facilitate cooperation on consular issues and people-to-people exchanges.
The countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation and welcomed a Letter of Intent aimed at promoting collaboration in the defence sector.
Focus on technology and education
Several agreements centred on emerging technologies and innovation.
India and Slovakia signed an MoU on Digital Technologies and another agreement on Quantum Communication and Critical Infrastructure Protection, reflecting their shared interest in cybersecurity and next-generation technologies.
The two countries also signed an MoU on Higher Education and Research to promote academic exchanges and institutional partnerships.
Further strengthening educational cooperation, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the Slovak Technical University signed an agreement covering student exchange programmes, scholarships and research collaboration.
Scientific cooperation was expanded through an agreement between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS).
A major initiative announced during the visit was the establishment of the first-ever ICCR Chair in Artificial Intelligence at the Technical University of Kosice in Slovakia.
Labour mobility, culture and healthcare cooperation
The two countries signed an MoU on Labour Migration to facilitate the movement of skilled professionals and deepen cooperation between relevant authorities.
Cultural ties also received a boost through an MoU on Audio-visual Creation, which is expected to encourage collaboration in film and media production.
Tourism cooperation was strengthened through an agreement between tour operator associations of both countries.
In the healthcare sector, the National Institute of Naturopathy in Pune and Slovak Health Spa Piestany signed an MoU to promote cooperation in wellness and traditional healthcare practices.
The agreements reflected the broadening scope of India-Slovakia relations, with both sides seeking deeper engagement in technology, education, defence, culture and economic cooperation.
