In a first, PM Modi visits Croatia; discusses defence, technology and cultural relations

New Delhi (India) June 19: On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his trip to Croatia where he discussed a number of topics with the senior leadership of the Balkan country in an effort to strengthen bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met the prime minister at the airport when he arrived in Zagreb earlier in the day. Mr. Modi met with President Zoran Milanovic and spoke with Plenković at the delegation level on a number of topics aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

PM Modi said, “Grateful to the people and Government of Croatia for the warm welcome during what has been a truly landmark visit. This visit ushers in a new chapter in our shared journey of friendship and extensive cooperation” in a statement.

The final stop on Mr. Modi's three-nation journey was to Croatia. He became the first Indian prime minister to visit the country.

The PMO posted, "PM @narendramodi emplanes for New Delhi after concluding three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia," on X.

Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Croatia's support to India after the April 22 terror incident and emphasized his desire for discussion and diplomacy to resolve international disputes.

He said, “We agree that terrorism is an enemy of humanity and an opponent of those who believe in democracy,” said PM Modi expressing gratitude to the Government of Croatia and added, “Such support during such difficult moments from friendly states was very significant for us. Croatia’s support and cooperation is very important for us in firming up strategic partnership with the European Union. We both support that irrespective of Europe or Asia, solution to disputes can not be found in the battlefields and dialogue and diplomacy alone is the only way out.”

According to MEA, the two leaders talked about people-to-people relationships, trade and investment, science and technology, defence and security, space, and cultural exchanges.

They looked at ways to enhance cooperation in digitalization, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, ports and shipping, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and hospitality. The growing popularity of Indian culture, indology, and yoga in Croatia are some of the other important elements that could strengthen ties between the two nations.

Mr. Modi stated that a plan will be developed to increase defence cooperation between the two nations and that he and his Croatian colleague had agreed to give the bilateral ties a "three-time" speed.

He said, “In the field of defence cooperation, a long term plan will be made that will focus on defence production alongside training and military exchange. There are many areas where our economies can supplement each other’s capacities.”

Four memorandums of cooperation in the fields of science, culture, and agriculture were also signed by the two countries. The ICCR and the University of Zagreb signed another memorandum regarding indology research.

Mr. Modi declared that Croatian and Indian academic institutions would collaborate on research projects. "India will share its space expertise with Croatia," Mr. Modi added, expressing gratitude to Zagreb University's Indology department. The five-year strategy for the cultural exchange program was also completed by both parties. In order to promote travel between the two countries, Prime Minister Modi also declared that India and Croatia would "soon" create a mobility agreement.

PM Modi travelled from Canada to Croatia, where he spoke with a number of foreign leaders and attended the G7 conference.

Aadrika Tayal