Bratislava:
Prime Minister Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held delegation-level talks at Bratislava Castle, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia. The two leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation across defence, trade, technology, workforce mobility and global affairs.
A major outcome of the visit was the decision to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. In a joint statement, the two sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and strongly denounced the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025.
The leaders called for concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner. They also stressed the need for decisive action against terrorists, terror entities, their affiliates, proxies, sponsors, financiers and supporters, including those designated by the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee.
Both sides underlined the importance of holding the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of terrorist acts accountable and agreed to work closely towards the early finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations.
The Pahalgam attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, was followed by India’s Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2025, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to official details, Indian forces destroyed nine major terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, and eliminated over 100 terrorists. India also took non-military measures, including terminating the Indus Waters Treaty and all bilateral trade with Pakistan.
In another key development, India and Slovakia signed a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation to boost joint development, joint production and collaboration 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.
Prime Minister Fico also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the defence industry.
The two countries also announced an MoU on labour migration to enhance the mobility of professionals and skilled workers. PM Modi said an MoU on social security would be finalised soon.
Technology was identified as another key pillar of the partnership. PM Modi said the MoU on digital technology would open new avenues for cooperation in digital public infrastructure. He also welcomed the establishment of an India Chair on AI at a Slovak university.
The leaders reviewed economic cooperation and identified automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing and green technology as priority sectors. PM Modi thanked Slovakia for supporting the finalisation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and said both sides would work towards its early implementation to benefit industries, start-ups and traders.
Prime Minister Fico praised India’s economic growth, digital transformation and advances in artificial intelligence, saying India had moved faster than many advanced countries in key sectors. He also congratulated PM Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister, describing it as a “political miracle”.
PM Modi thanked Fico for his role in strengthening India-Slovakia ties and said the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Partnership reflected shared trust, common priorities and a common vision for the future.
Earlier, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour in Bratislava. The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George and Additional Secretary Puja Kapur.
PM Modi also invited Prime Minister Fico to visit India, saying he was pleased that the invitation had been publicly accepted.