Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bratislava on a landmark visit to Slovakia, becoming the first Indian prime minister to travel to the country since it became independent in 1993. The visit is part of his three-nation European tour and comes at a time when India is working to deepen its political, economic and technology partnerships across Europe.
During his two-day stay, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. The discussions are expected to focus on expanding India-Slovakia cooperation in trade, investment, automobile manufacturing, railway production, emerging technologies and business partnerships. He is also set to interact with leading Slovak business executives to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen private-sector engagement.
Soon after landing in Slovakia, Modi said the visit would provide an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and open new areas of cooperation. The Ministry of External Affairs said he was welcomed by Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanr. He also received a traditional bread-and-salt welcome, a gesture associated with hospitality, respect and goodwill in Slovakia.
The visit carries strong diplomatic value because it builds on recent high-level exchanges between the two countries. President Droupadi Murmu visited Slovakia in April 2025, while Slovak President Peter Pellegrini travelled to India for the AI Impact Summit in February 2026. These visits have added momentum to India-Slovakia relations and created a stronger base for long-term cooperation.
India and Slovakia are expected to explore practical ways to increase trade, attract investment and support collaboration in high-growth sectors. Slovakia’s strengths in automobile manufacturing, engineering and railway production make it an important partner for India’s industrial and technology goals. At the same time, India’s growing market, skilled workforce and digital economy offer opportunities for Slovak companies looking to expand in Asia.
The talks are also important from a broader European perspective. Since Slovakia is a member of the European Union, stronger India-Slovakia ties can support New Delhi’s wider engagement with Europe. India has been working to build deeper partnerships with European countries in areas such as supply chains, clean technology, artificial intelligence, defence cooperation and economic growth.
Before reaching Slovakia, Modi concluded engagements in France, where he held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and attended the Bharat Innovates event in Nice. After the Slovakia leg of his tour, he is expected to travel to France for the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16 and 17. At the summit, he is likely to join discussions on global cooperation, economic stability, artificial intelligence and other major international issues.
The final stop of his tour will be Paris on June 18, where Modi is scheduled to attend VivaTech 2026 along with President Macron. The visit highlights India’s effort to position itself as a key partner for Europe in business, innovation and technology. Modi’s Slovakia visit, in particular, is expected to give fresh direction to India-Slovakia relations and strengthen India’s outreach to Central Europe.
