Key facts
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Slovakia from June 14-16.
- The visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia.
- Slovak Ambassador to India Robert Maxian described the visit as a "historic opportunity."
- Discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and defense cooperation.
- Slovakia has been a defense technology supplier to India, but now also buys from India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming state visit to Slovakia from June 14-16 has been hailed by Slovak Ambassador to India Robert Maxian as a "historic opportunity" to enhance relations between the two nations. This visit is significant as it marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister will travel to Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to meet with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. The itinerary includes a ceremonial welcome at a historic castle, followed by delegation-level and one-on-one talks. A state banquet will also be hosted in Modi's honor.
Ambassador Maxian highlighted the evolving defense cooperation between India and Slovakia. While Slovakia has been a consistent supplier of defense technologies to India since 1993, the landscape has shifted due to India's increasing domestic defense production capabilities. This has led to a new dynamic where Slovakia is now also procuring defense technologies from India, indicating a deepening and diversifying partnership.