India and Slovakia pushed their relationship into a new strategic phase on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Bratislava delivered agreements on defence, counterterrorism, labour mobility, technology and cultural cooperation.
The visit marked the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country became independent in 1993. The two sides elevated ties to a Comprehensive Partnership after Modi held delegation-level talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at Bratislava Castle.
Bolo mi potešením stretnúť sa s vami, pán prezident Pellegrini. Teší ma, že sme mohli nadviazať na dôležité rozhovory, ktoré sme viedli pri našom poslednom stretnutí. Vaše postrehy a názory sú vždy veľmi podnetné a cenné.@PellegriniP_ https://t.co/AqLBzkkLxr
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2026
India, Slovakia upgrade ties
MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said the visit would give “renewed momentum” to cooperation across sectors.
“The visit reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Slovakia and will provide a renewed momentum to bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors. Elevation of the relationship to a comprehensive partnership will take the bilateral relationship to a new level, strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms and explore new avenues for deepening cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally,” George told reporters in Bratislava.
The two Prime Ministers reviewed the full range of bilateral ties. They also discussed regional and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, the situation in West Asia and India-EU relations.
George said the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, concluded earlier this year, had created fresh momentum in India’s engagement with EU member states, including Slovakia.
Defence and counterterrorism on agenda
A key outcome of the visit was a Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation. The agreement is aimed at encouraging joint development, joint production and cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries.
“Our defence cooperation is a testament to our deep mutual trust and strategic convergence. I am pleased that we have signed a Letter of Intent in this important sector today. This will give new momentum to joint development, joint production, and cooperation between defence industries,” PM Modi said.
Fico also said Slovakia was interested in cooperation in the defence industry.
The two countries also agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and launch a Consular Dialogue mechanism.
“India and Slovakia agreed to have a joint working group on cooperation in counterterrorism and the establishment of a consular dialogue between India and Slovakia. Slovakia reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council and the expansion of the UN Security Council,” George said.
Slovakia backs India’s UNSC bid
The two sides reaffirmed support for reforms of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and the UN Security Council.
India appreciated Slovakia’s continued support for its permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UNSC. Slovakia also reaffirmed its constructive approach to India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Responding to a question on UN reforms, George said global institutions needed to reflect present-day realities.
“India believes that it is important to have the reforms in the United Nations. The United Nations is unfortunately stuck in the past. It must reflect the realities of today,” he said.
“We must reform the United Nations, including the UN Security Council, so that it reflects the realities of today. I’m very happy to note that the Slovakian leadership reaffirmed its commitment to support India in an expanded UN Security Council as a permanent member,” he added.
PM Modi receives Slovakia’s highest honour
During the visit, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini conferred the Order of the White Double Cross First Class on Modi. It is Slovakia’s highest state decoration.
The MEA said the honour recognised Modi’s contribution to strengthening India-Slovakia ties.
“Honoured to receive The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) in Bratislava this evening. My gratitude to the people and Government of Slovakia for this honour, which belongs to the 140 crore people of India. I dedicate this award to the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia,” PM Modi posted on X.
#WATCH | Slovakia confers its highest honour, The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) on PM Narendra Modi. Slovakian President Peter Pellegrin presents him with the honour. This is the 33rd global honour bestowed by a country upon PM Modi.
The Order of the White Double… pic.twitter.com/wACOa3zMoc
— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2026
PM Modi also met Pellegrini at the Presidential Palace. The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George and Additional Secretary Puja Kapur.
Bratislava Castle lights up in Tricolour
In a symbolic gesture, Bratislava Castle was lit up in the colours of the Indian national flag during PM Modi’s visit.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described it as a “special gesture reflecting the warmth of India-Slovakia friendship”.
The castle also served as the venue for PM Modi’s bilateral talks with Fico. The historic site now houses the Slovak National Museum and is used for major state functions.
Agreements across sectors
India and Slovakia exchanged 11 agreements and MoUs during the visit.
These included cooperation in defence, digital technologies and quantum communication, labour migration, higher education and research, and audio-visual creation.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations also announced its first Chair in Artificial Intelligence at the Technical University of Kosice.
The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity, protection of critical information infrastructure, post-quantum cryptography, connectivity, automotive and railway sectors.
They also encouraged exploring direct air connectivity between India and Slovakia to support economic, business and people-to-people exchanges.