PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Slovak PM Robert Fico in Bratislava

Published 15 June 2026 · politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (June 15, 2026) arrived in Slovakia becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country. Speaking during the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (June 15, 2026) arrived in Slovakia becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country. Speaking during the exchange of MoUs and joint press statements with Slovakia PM Robert Fico in Bratislava, Mr. Modi said “India and Slovakia decided to elevate ties to status of Comprehensive Partnership.” The Prime Minister further said “I express my special thanks to Prime Minister Fico for cooperation received from Slovakia in finalising India-EU FTA.” “We will work towards earliest implementation of India-EU FTA,” said Mr. Modi. “Comprehensive Partnership between India and Slovakia symbolises our shared beliefs, shared priorities, and shared future,” he added. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico lauded India’s rapid economic growth, digital transformation and advances in artificial intelligence, saying the country has outpaced many advanced nations in key sectors. Speaking during the exchange of MoUs and joint press statements with Mr. Modi, Mr. Fico said Slovakia and India are linked by several common interests and expressed admiration for India’s achievements across multiple fields. “Slovak Republic and India are countries which are connected by a number of common topics. I would like to congratulate India for the fantastic results which you are achieving,” Mr. Fico said.

Calling it an honour to host Mr. Modi, he highlighted India’s growing global stature. “It is a great honour for me to welcome the PM of the country with the largest population in the world, but at the same time a country which is the fifth biggest economy in the world, and it has the ambition to be the third biggest economy in the world,” he said. Addressing the joint press meet with PM Robert Fico of Slovakia.@RobertFicoSVK — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 The Slovak leader congratulated India for its progress in various sectors, particularly digitalisation and artificial intelligence. “I congratulate for the results you have achieved in different areas. You dominate in the field of digitalisation and the use of AI. You have come so far that you are faster than many advanced countries in different parts of the world,” he said. Drawing a comparison with Europe, Fico noted that the European Union (EU) continues to face economic challenges and suggested that India’s growth trajectory offers valuable lessons. “We are struggling in the EU. What could the EU do if we could achieve 6-7% growth?” he remarked.

Modi held delegation-level talks with his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico in Bratislava. The Indian delegation participating in the talks included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George and Additional Secretary in the MEA Puja Kapur. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister received a ceremonial welcome in Bratislava, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since it gained independence in 1993. He received a Guard of Honour upon his arrival at Bratislava as he began the second leg of his European visit. Modi also met with his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico at Bratislava Castle for their bilateral engagement. The two leaders also visited an art exhibition ahead of their talks. Modi was received by Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar at the airport on Sunday (June 14, 2026) evening and accorded a symbolic, traditional Slovak greeting- the offering of bread and salt.In a post on X he said, “The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia's rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish.” The reception for Mr. Modi included the Kopaniciarik children's folk ensemble from the Myjava region, dressed in vibrant, traditional Slovak attire, performed a lively folk dance.