PM Modi's Groundbreaking Visit to Croatia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently made history as the first Indian premier to visit Croatia officially. His trip to the Balkan nation marked a significant milestone in strengthening diplomatic ties between India and Croatia amid a complex global landscape.
High-Level Discussions and Memoranda of Understanding
During his stay in Zagreb, PM Modi engaged in a series of pivotal meetings with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. The talks culminated in the signing of four crucial agreements designed to deepen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
Key Agreements Signed
- Enhanced collaboration in agriculture and allied fields
- Joint science and technology cooperation program
- Comprehensive cultural exchange initiatives
- Establishment of a Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb to promote Indian language and culture
These agreements emphasize a shared commitment to fostering innovation, preserving cultural heritage, and advancing scientific progress between the two nations.
Economic and Strategic Highlights
Both leaders also expressed optimism about fast-tracking the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), anticipating it will accelerate bilateral trade and improve supply chain resilience.
Further discussions underscored the expansion of the India-Croatia Startup Bridge Initiative, launched in 2021 to promote startups and entrepreneurship, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, green technologies, and robotics.
Strengthening Defense Collaboration
Building on previous agreements, Modi and Plenkovic agreed to develop a long-term Defense Cooperation Plan that focuses on:
- Joint training programs
- Military exchanges
- Collaborative defense industry projects
This move aims to enhance strategic ties and foster mutual security interests.
A Cultural and Scientific Partnership
The signing of the Hindi Chair MoU reflects a shared dedication to cultural diplomacy, allowing Indian language and traditions to flourish in Croatia. Simultaneously, the science and technology cooperation program will enable researchers and institutions from both countries to collaborate on cutting-edge innovations.
Looking Ahead
PM Modi’s landmark visit to Croatia has laid a solid foundation for deeper, multifaceted cooperation that spans agriculture, technology, culture, and defense. This visit not only reinforces India’s engagement with Europe but also signals a forward momentum in building resilient bilateral relations in an evolving geopolitical environment.
