PM Modi Feels at Home in Croatia, Discusses Trade, Defence, Tech with PM Plenkovic.
‘I Felt at Home,’ PM Modi on Croatia Visit, Discusses Trade, Defence, Tech with Counterpart Andrej Plenkovic.
Introduction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Croatia on June 18, 2025, marked a historic milestone as he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Central European nation. The visit, part of a three-nation tour including Cyprus and Canada for the G7 Summit, underscored India’s growing global engagement and its intent to deepen ties with Croatia.
In Zagreb, PM Modi held productive discussions with his Croatian counterpart, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations across trade, defence, technology, culture, and more. The warmth of the Croatian people and the shared vision for collaboration left a lasting impression, with PM Modi stating, “I felt at home” in the beautiful city of Zagreb.
The talks between the two leaders were comprehensive, covering key sectors such as trade and investment, science and technology, defence and security, space, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. The signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) further solidified the partnership, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, science, culture, and education. This article delves into the significance of PM Modi’s visit, the outcomes of the discussions, and the broader context of India-Croatia relations.
A Warm Welcome in Zagreb
PM Modi’s visit to Zagreb was met with a warm and heartfelt reception, reflecting the growing cultural affinity between India and Croatia. In his remarks, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the hospitality, noting, “I am happy that I got the opportunity to come to this beautiful city of Zagreb. Even though this visit is a small one, I got to experience the city's culture, people's lifestyle, and warmth. I felt at home.” This sentiment resonated deeply, highlighting the personal connection fostered during the visit.
In a post on X, PM Modi further elaborated, “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.” The visit, though brief, was a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship, with both leaders expressing optimism about the future.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the enduring friendship between the two nations. During a toast, he remarked, “As we raise our glasses this evening, let us celebrate the enduring friendship. May our partnership continue to flourish, rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared ambition. May our peoples continue to learn from one another, to inspire one another, and to walk together on the path of innovation, understanding, and peace.” His words underscored the shared vision for a robust partnership, culminating in a hopeful toast: “To the friendship between Croatia and India. And to the bright road ahead. Jai Hind.”
Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Key Areas of Discussion
The discussions between PM Modi and PM Plenkovic were wide-ranging, focusing on deepening cooperation across multiple sectors. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that the talks covered trade and investment, science and technology, defence and security, space, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. Both leaders explored opportunities to enhance collaboration in emerging fields such as infrastructure, ports and shipping, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and hospitality.
Trade and Investment
Trade and investment emerged as critical pillars of the India-Croatia partnership. Both nations recognized the potential for increased economic collaboration, particularly in infrastructure development, ports, and shipping. Croatia’s strategic location in Central Europe and its access to the Adriatic Sea make it an attractive partner for India’s maritime and trade ambitions. Discussions also focused on fostering investments in digitalisation and artificial intelligence, aligning with India’s push for technological innovation and Croatia’s growing expertise in these areas.
The pharmaceutical sector, a cornerstone of India’s global economic presence, was identified as another area of mutual interest. With India being a leading supplier of generic medicines, opportunities for collaboration in research, production, and distribution were explored. Additionally, tourism and hospitality were highlighted as sectors with significant potential, given Croatia’s popularity as a tourist destination and India’s rich cultural heritage.
Science and Technology
Science and technology were at the forefront of the discussions, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of innovation in driving bilateral cooperation. The signing of an MoU on science and technology underscored the commitment to joint research and development. Areas such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence were identified as key priorities, with both nations aiming to leverage their respective strengths to address global challenges like climate change and digital transformation.
Defence and Security
Defence and security cooperation was another critical area of focus. PM Modi and PM Plenkovic discussed ways to enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security. PM Modi specifically thanked Croatia for its support and solidarity following the deadly Pahalgam terror attacks, highlighting the shared commitment to combating terrorism. The discussions also touched on potential partnerships in defence technology and equipment, aligning with India’s goal of strengthening its defence capabilities through international collaboration.
Cultural Exchanges and People-to-People Ties
Cultural exchanges played a prominent role in the talks, with both leaders noting the growing popularity of Indian culture in Croatia. The increasing interest in Yoga, Indology, and Indian cinema has fostered a deeper connection between the two nations. To further strengthen these ties, an MoU was signed to establish a Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb, promoting the study of Hindi and Indian culture in Croatia. Additionally, a cultural exchange program was formalized to facilitate greater interaction between artists, scholars, and citizens of both countries.
The MEA noted that these cultural linkages are key to bringing the people of India and Croatia closer together. The shared appreciation for each other’s heritage, coupled with initiatives like the Hindi Chair, is expected to deepen mutual understanding and foster long-term goodwill.
Space and Emerging Technologies
Space cooperation was another area of discussion, with both leaders exploring opportunities for collaboration in satellite technology, space research, and innovation. India’s advancements in space exploration, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), offer significant potential for partnerships with Croatia, which is increasingly focusing on technology-driven development.
Historic MoUs and Agreements
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of four MoUs, which formalized cooperation in key sectors:
Agriculture and Allied Sectors: This MoU aims to enhance collaboration in agricultural research, technology transfer, and sustainable farming practices, benefiting both nations’ agrarian economies.
Science and Technology: The agreement focuses on joint research and innovation in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation.
Cultural Exchange Program: This MoU facilitates exchanges between artists, performers, and cultural institutions, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation.
Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb: The establishment of a Hindi Chair will promote the study of Hindi language and Indian culture, strengthening academic and cultural ties.
These agreements mark a significant step forward in institutionalizing the India-Croatia partnership, providing a framework for sustained collaboration across diverse fields.
Strategic Context: India’s Global Engagement
PM Modi’s visit to Croatia was part of a broader three-nation tour that included Cyprus and Canada, where he attended the G7 Summit. The visit to Croatia, in particular, highlighted India’s growing engagement with Central and Eastern Europe, a region that holds strategic importance due to its geographic position and economic potential. As a member of the European Union, Croatia serves as a gateway for India to deepen ties with the EU, especially in the context of ongoing trade negotiations.
The visit also underscored India’s commitment to fostering global peace and security. In his discussions with PM Plenkovic, PM Modi emphasized counter-terrorism efforts and thanked Croatia for its solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attacks. This shared commitment to addressing global challenges like terrorism and climate change further strengthens the strategic alignment between the two nations.
Croatia’s Role in India’s Foreign Policy
Croatia, though a relatively small nation, holds significant potential as a partner for India. Its strategic location in the Adriatic, coupled with its EU membership, makes it an important ally in India’s broader European strategy. The growing popularity of Indian culture in Croatia, particularly Yoga and Indology, provides a strong foundation for people-to-people ties. Moreover, Croatia’s expertise in maritime industries, tourism, and technology complements India’s strengths, creating opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration.
The visit also highlighted Croatia’s support for India’s global initiatives. PM Plenkovic’s remarks during the toast reflected a shared ambition to build a future rooted in innovation, peace, and mutual respect. The emphasis on “learning from one another” and “walking together” underscores the egalitarian nature of the partnership, which is built on trust and shared values.
Broader Implications for India-Croatia Relations
PM Modi’s visit to Croatia has opened new avenues for cooperation, setting the stage for a dynamic and multifaceted partnership. The agreements signed during the visit provide a roadmap for collaboration in critical areas like trade, technology, and culture. By establishing institutional mechanisms such as the Hindi Chair and the cultural exchange program, both nations have laid the groundwork for sustained engagement.
The focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and renewable energy aligns with global trends, positioning India and Croatia as forward-looking partners in the 21st century. Additionally, the emphasis on counter-terrorism and security cooperation reflects a shared commitment to addressing global challenges, further strengthening the strategic dimension of the relationship.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Croatia on June 18, 2025, marked a turning point in India-Croatia relations. The warm hospitality extended by the Croatian people, coupled with the productive discussions between PM Modi and PM Plenkovic, underscored the potential for a robust and enduring partnership. The signing of four MoUs in agriculture, science, culture, and education formalized the commitment to deepen ties across diverse sectors.
As PM Modi noted, “This visit ushers in a new chapter in our shared journey of friendship and extensive cooperation.” The discussions on trade, defence, technology, and cultural exchanges, combined with the shared vision for innovation and peace, have set the stage for a bright future. With Croatia’s strategic importance in Europe and India’s growing global influence, the partnership is poised to flourish, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and a shared ambition for progress.
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