PM Modi’s Historic Slovakia Visit Set to Open New Chapter in Trade, Defence and Energy Cooperation
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history with his upcoming visit to Slovakia, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Central European nation. The visit, expected on June 14-15, is being viewed as a major milestone in India-Slovakia relations and a sign of growing cooperation across multiple sectors.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Slovak Ambassador to India Robert Maxian described the trip as a landmark moment that could significantly strengthen ties between the two countries.
According to the ambassador, the relationship between India and Slovakia extends far beyond the 33 years of formal diplomatic relations established after the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia in 1993. Historical connections, cultural exchanges and decades of economic cooperation have laid the foundation for a deeper partnership.
One of the most notable developments has been the rapid growth in bilateral trade. Trade between the two countries has doubled in just three years, rising from €800 million in 2023 to €1.6 billion in 2025. Slovak officials believe the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement could further accelerate investment and commercial opportunities.
Several major Indian companies, including Tata AutoComp Systems, Jaguar Land Rover and Amara Raja Energy & Mobility, already have a strong presence in Slovakia, reflecting the growing economic partnership.
Defence cooperation remains another important pillar of the relationship. Slovakia has supplied military equipment to India for decades, and officials now point to a new phase where India is also emerging as a defence supplier to Slovakia, highlighting a more balanced strategic partnership.
The two countries are also looking to expand collaboration in nuclear energy. Slovakia generates nearly 65 percent of its electricity through nuclear power and has developed significant expertise in operating nuclear plants, managing waste and decommissioning facilities. Both nations are expected to deepen cooperation in this field.
A growing Indian workforce has become another strong link between the two countries. More than 11,000 Indians are currently employed in Slovakia, making them the country’s second-largest foreign workforce after Ukrainians. Slovak authorities say the demand for skilled Indian workers continues to rise, with the country requiring tens of thousands more workers in the coming years.
Cultural ties are also flourishing. Bollywood films have been shot in Slovakia, and interest in Indian culture, yoga and cinema continues to grow among Slovaks. Ambassador Maxian even encouraged Indian filmmakers to explore Slovakia’s picturesque landscapes, historic castles and scenic locations as future filming destinations.
As Prime Minister Modi prepares for this landmark visit, both countries appear ready to transform decades of friendship into a stronger and more comprehensive partnership focused on trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people connections.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
