PM Modi Concludes Pioneering Visit to Croatia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently concluded his landmark visit to Croatia, marking the first time an Indian premier has set foot in the Balkan nation. This visit, the final leg of a three-nation diplomatic tour, focused on deepening cooperation and broadening ties between the two countries.
Engagements with Croatia's Top Leadership
Upon arrival in Zagreb, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. He subsequently held delegation-level discussions with Plenković and met President Zoran Milanović to explore avenues for collaboration across multiple sectors.
During the talks, Modi and the Croatian leadership agreed on fast-tracking — or giving a “three-time pace” to — bilateral relations, with special emphasis on enhancing defence cooperation. Key Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, were present during these strategic discussions.
Memoranda of Cooperation and Cultural Exchange
The visit saw the signing of five memoranda of cooperation, spanning important fields like agriculture, culture, and science. Notably, one agreement linked the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) with the University of Zagreb, fostering academic collaboration on Indology—India’s rich cultural and historical studies.
Context of the Broader Tour
This Croatian visit followed PM Modi's engagements in Canada—where he took part in the G7 summit—and Cyprus. At the G7, Modi voiced concerns about terrorism in India's vicinity, warning against ignoring this grave challenge would amount to a “betrayal of humanity.” He also urged the bloc to pressure Pakistan over its alleged support for cross-border terrorist activities.
In Cyprus, Modi held comprehensive talks with President Nikos Christodoulides. The visit carried geopolitical weight, given Cyprus's strained relationship with Turkey, which recently sided with Pakistan amid tensions with India. A poignant moment came when the leaders viewed Turkish-controlled mountains near Nicosia, symbolizing subtle diplomatic messaging.
Adding to the significance, Modi was honored with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III—Cyprus’s highest civilian award—recognizing the strengthening of bilateral ties.
Reinforcing Regional Security and Cooperation
PM Modi’s tour comes shortly after India’s Operation Sindoor in May, a decisive counter-terror action targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. His diplomatic engagements underscore India’s commitment to regional security, counter-terrorism, and expanding global partnerships.
Looking Ahead
With this historic milestone, India and Croatia are poised to advance their relationship with accelerated dialogue and cooperation. From culture and science to defence and trade, the two nations aim to forge a comprehensive partnership that benefits their peoples and strengthens international ties.
