Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have officially elevated India-Slovakia relations to a Comprehensive Partnership during Modi’s historic state visit to Bratislava, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country’s independence in 1993. The two leaders signed 11 agreements and memoranda of understanding to expand bilateral cooperation across defence, trade, technology, and workforce mobility.
The defense cooperation agreement includes a Letter of Intent aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two nations’ defense industries and providing a framework for future industrial partnerships. On technology, the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Digital Technologies covering artificial intelligence, semiconductors, 5G applications, 6G standardization, Internet of Things, and Machine-to-Machine technologies.
Labour mobility emerged as a key priority with an MoU on Labour Migration signed to increase the movement of professionals and skilled workers between the two countries. Both nations agreed to work toward concluding a Social Security Agreement to protect the interests of professionals working in each country and improve welfare protections.
The partnership encompasses broader cooperation in higher education and research through a signed MoU, alongside agreements on audiovisual creation, quantum communication, critical infrastructure protection, scientific research, tourism, and traditional wellness systems. India’s export to Slovakia rose 55.3 percent to €1,057.0 million in 2024, while imports from Slovakia increased 23.6 percent to €224.9 million, bringing total bilateral trade to €1,281.9 million.
The leaders welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and expressed commitment to its early implementation. Both countries also agreed to strengthen the Joint Economic Committee and identify high-potential sectors including automotive manufacturing, electronics, advanced manufacturing, railway technologies, and aerospace.
The Comprehensive Partnership framework creates structured collaboration mechanisms across security, technology, trade, and workforce mobility, positioning Slovakia as an important Central European partner for India.Ten agreements cover the broadest scope of India-Slovakia engagement to date, reflecting both nations’ commitment to long-term strategic partnerships in an interconnected world.
Read Article: Jio Platforms Enters WIPO Top 20 Patent Rankings With 971 Global Filings
