Modi visits Slovakia to boost trade, investment and technology ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Slovakia has created a buzz online, not just for its diplomatic significance but also for a heartwarming personal moment shared between him and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.PM Modi conducted a state visit to the Slovak Republic from June 14 to June 16, 2026, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European nation since its independence in 1993. The landmark trip focused on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across key sectors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) PM Narendra Modi Receives Warm Welcome From Indian Diaspora In France; Traditional Dancers And Tricolours Mark Arrival In NiceUpon arriving in the Slovak capital, PM Modi was received by Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanar, before being accorded full state honours by Prime Minister Robert Fico.However, it was Fico's thoughtful gesture that stole the spotlight. As the two leaders met, PM Modi appeared pleasantly surprised to see his Slovak counterpart dressed in a traditional Indian-style Nehru jacket. Adding to the moment's charm, both leaders had coincidentally chosen jackets in similar shades, making for a striking visual. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) Inside PM Modi's Heartfelt Gift To Italian Prime Minister Meloni, And It's Not Just 'Melody'The Indian Prime Minister later shared a video of the interaction on social media and revealed the special significance behind Fico's attire. "Prime Minister Fico wore a jacket I had gifted him. And, coincidentally our jacket colours matched today!" he wrote.The clip quickly went viral, with social media users praising the camaraderie between the two leaders and appreciating Fico's gesture of embracing Indian attire. Many also called it a symbol of the growing warmth between India and Slovakia.

Bratislava: Slovakia conferred its highest honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the European nation.Special Briefing by MEA on the State Visit of Prime Minister to Slovakia https://t.co/YdYISTNrjf— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 15, 2026 Highest Slovak honourSlovakian President Peter Pellegrin presented PM Modi with the honour. This is the 33rd global honour bestowed by a country upon PM Modi.Honoured to receive The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) in Bratislava this evening. My gratitude to the people and Government of Slovakia for this honour, which belongs to the 140 crore people of India. I dedicate this award to the enduring friendship between India… pic.twitter.com/FXs96XremQ— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 #WATCH | Slovakia confers its highest honour, The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) on PM Narendra Modi. Slovakian President Peter Pellegrin presents him with the honour. This is the 33rd global honour bestowed by a country upon PM Modi.The Order of the White Double… pic.twitter.com/Xdi7kXV5rr— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2026 About the decorationThe Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) is the highest state decoration conferred by the Slovak Republic and is awarded by the President of Slovakia to foreign dignitaries in recognition of exceptional contributions to the development of friendly relations with Slovakia, as well as for outstanding support of its foreign policy interests and international standing.Modi reaction"Honoured to receive The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) in Bratislava this evening. My gratitude to the people and Government of Slovakia for this honour, which belongs to the 140 crore people of India. I dedicate this award to the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia," PM Modi posted on X.The conferment of The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), the highest state decoration of the Slovak Republic, upon PM Shri @narendramodi is a testament to his leadership in strengthening the partnership and advancing India’s engagement with Europe.Confident that… pic.twitter.com/GZ75NM1mZZ— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 15, 2026 MEA statementThe External Affairs Ministry, in a statement, said that Slovakia recognised PM Modi's contribution to strengthening ties between the two nations."PM Narendra Modi has been conferred with The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), the highest state decoration of the Slovak Republic, in recognition of PM's contribution to strengthening India-Slovakia ties. The honour reflects the growing depth of the India-Slovakia partnership. PM dedicated it to the people of India and underscored the strengthening of people-to-people ties between the two countries," the MEA said.PM @narendramodi has been conferred with The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), the highest state decoration of the Slovak Republic, in recognition of PM’s contribution to strengthening India–Slovakia ties.The honour reflects the growing depth of the India-Slovakia… pic.twitter.com/9pq3vhF02a— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 15, 2026 Bilateral engagements in BratislavaEarlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi met Slovak President Peter Pellegrini at the Presidential Palace in the capital city of Bratislava.President Pellegrini extended a warm welcome to PM Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Slovakia since its independence, in the Presidential Palace, where he also signed the visitor's book.A truly historic day for Slovakia! Honored to welcome Prime Minister @narendramodi, on the first-ever official visit by an Indian PM to our country. I congratulated him on becoming India’s longest continuously serving democratically elected Prime Minister. This milestone… pic.twitter.com/03G21Ck0WZ— Peter Pellegrini (@PellegriniP_) June 15, 2026 Today’s talks with President Pellegrini covered diverse subjects such as closer ties in manufacturing, transport, innovation and investment linkages, energy, biofuels and more. There is also immense scope to cooperate in the field of digital technology. We also talked about… pic.twitter.com/3kGxkVOpbv— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 Prime Minister Modi later held a delegation-level meeting with President Pellegrini at the Palace.The Indian delegation participating in the talks included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George and Additional Secretary in the MEA Puja Kapur.Addressing the joint press meet with PM Robert Fico of Slovakia.@RobertFicoSVK https://t.co/qP50HdYhUO— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 Yoga and exhibition eventsAhead of the International Day of Yoga, celebrated on June 21 every year, a special session of yoga was organised at the Palace. The two leaders also visited the session.Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited a unique exhibition at the Presidential Palace, inspired by Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency. During the visit, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini accompanied PM Modi.Projekt Mahadeva Kirtan Project je chvályhodnou iniciatívou, ktorá poukazuje na pretrvávajúce kultúrne putá medzi Indiou a Slovenskom.Včera v Bratislave som bol svedkom vystúpenia tohto súboru. Je obdivuhodné, ako hlboko sa inšpirujú indickými duchovnými tradíciami,… pic.twitter.com/KmUH3zo3o3— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 Ceremonial welcome and meetingsEarlier, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Bratislava and was accorded a Guard of Honour upon his arrival as he began the second leg of his European tour.PM Modi also met Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the historic Bratislava Castle for bilateral engagements. Ahead of their formal talks, the two leaders visited an art exhibition.The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish. pic.twitter.com/Iy4RAY4h76— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 PM Modi was received by Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar at the airport on Sunday evening and accorded a symbolic, traditional Slovak greeting- the offering of bread and salt.Three-day visit detailsPrime Minister Modi is in Slovakia on a three-day visit at the invitation of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. The visit follows President Droupadi Murmu's State Visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and the Slovak President Peter Pellegrini's visit to India for the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.

PM Modi, Robert Fico Hold High-Level Talks as India and Slovakia Seek Stronger Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava on Monday, marking a key moment in the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country's independence in 1993.The discussions reflected the growing momentum in India-Slovakia relations, with both sides exploring new avenues of cooperation across trade, investment, innovation and strategic sectors.Historic Visit Strengthens Bilateral EngagementPM Modi's visit is being viewed as a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between India and Slovakia. Following recent high-level exchanges between the two countries, the visit aims to elevate bilateral cooperation and reinforce India's engagement with Central Europe.#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico hold bilateral talks in Bratislava(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/MRUzAwurli— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2026 Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and interact with business leaders during the visit, with an emphasis on strengthening economic partnerships and exploring new investment opportunities.Building on Growing India-Europe EngagementThe Slovakia visit follows President Droupadi Murmu's State Visit to the country in 2025 and President Peter Pellegrini's participation in the AI Impact Summit in India earlier this year.The Indian delegation participating in the talks included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George and Additional Secretary Puja Kapur.Ceremonial Welcome in BratislavaEarlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Bratislava and was accorded a Guard of Honour, underscoring the importance Slovakia has attached to the historic visit.The Prime Minister also met Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the iconic Bratislava Castle, where the two leaders visited an art exhibition before beginning formal discussions.PM Modi was welcomed to Slovakia on Sunday evening by Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar and received the traditional Slovak offering of bread and salt, a centuries-old symbol of hospitality, friendship and goodwill.Sharing his thoughts on social media, the Prime Minister described the gesture as a reflection of Slovakia's rich cultural heritage and its values of warmth and friendship.Celebrating Culture and People-to-People TiesThe visit has also highlighted the strong cultural connection between the two countries. PM Modi witnessed performances by the Kopaniciarik children's folk ensemble from the Myjava region, whose traditional dance showcased Slovakia's vibrant cultural heritage.PM Narendra Modi Thanks Indian Diaspora For Warm Welcome In Bratislava, Says It Strengthens India-Slovakia Friendship | Video Sharing glimpses of the performance, the Prime Minister noted that such folk traditions play an important role in preserving a nation's history and identity.He also expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic welcome extended by the Indian diaspora, describing their affection and support as a testament to the enduring bonds between the people of India and Slovakia.Focus on Trade, Innovation and Strategic CooperationTalks between the two sides are expected to focus on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, innovation, automobile manufacturing, railway modernisation and other emerging sectors.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit marks the first by an Indian leader since the "velvet divorce."

Bratislava: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, describing the welcome by the Indian community as truly special.The team of Lucnica Ensemble sang Vande Mataram during the welcome in Bratislava. This comes at a time when we are marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and recalling its glorious contribution to India’s history and freedom struggle. pic.twitter.com/loVBUzG5oo— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 Gratitude for warm welcomeTaking to social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Yesterday evening’s welcome in Bratislava was truly special. I am grateful to the Indian community for their warmth and affection. Such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect our people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship."Yesterday evening’s welcome in Bratislava was truly special. I am grateful to the Indian community for their warmth and affection. Such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect our people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship. pic.twitter.com/R49NpexLMg— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 The Prime Minister also highlighted the traditional Slovak gesture of offering bread and salt, which formed part of the welcoming ceremony.Traditional Slovak hospitality"The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish," PM Modi said in another post.The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish. pic.twitter.com/Iy4RAY4h76— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 Cultural performances witnessedDuring his visit, PM Modi also witnessed a cultural performance by Kopaniciarik, a folk ensemble from Slovakia’s Myjava region. Praising the presentation, he noted the importance of preserving traditional art forms and cultural heritage."Witnessed a captivating performance by Kopaniciarik from the Myjava region of Slovakia. Folk traditions such as these help preserve one’s culture and history," PM Modi said.Witnessed a captivating performance by Kopaniciarik from the Myjava region of Slovakia. Folk traditions such as these help preserve one’s culture and history. pic.twitter.com/YPdh0ZeIoX— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 India-France friendship remarksPM Modi also shared glimpses from his earlier visit to Nice, France, and expressed confidence in the growing partnership between India and France."Here are highlights from Nice…a great start to my France visit. May the India-France friendship keep getting stronger," PM Modi said.Here are highlights from Nice…a great start to my France visit. May the India-France friendship keep getting stronger.@EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/2GMFQDhecE— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026 Arrival and diaspora engagementPM Modi arrived in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, on Sunday. He was received by the Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar at the Grand Hotel River Park, where the Prime Minister was accorded traditional Slovak hospitality. Prime Minister Modi was given a warm welcome with bread and salt upon his arrival in Bratislava.Upon his arrival at the Grand Hotel River Park here, PM Modi received a warm welcome from the Lucnica Ensemble. The Prime Minister also witnessed a spiritual performance by the Slovakian musical group, Mahadeva Kirtan Projekt.'Innovation Is Embedded In India's DNA': PM Modi Champions 'AI For All' At Bharat Innovates 2026 In France Prime Minister Modi met members of the Indian diaspora in Bratislava and received a warm welcome on his arrival at the Grand Hotel River Park.Taking to his official X account, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: "PM @narendramodi has arrived in Slovakia. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia's independence, marking a historic milestone in India-Slovakia relations. Upon arrival at the hotel, PM was received by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blanar @SlovakiaMFA and given a warm Slovak welcome of bread and salt, a symbol of hospitality, respect and goodwill. The visit is set to further strengthen bilateral ties and open new avenues for partnership."PM @narendramodi has arrived in Slovakia. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia’s independence, marking a historic milestone in India-Slovakia relations. Upon arrival at the hotel, PM was received by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of… pic.twitter.com/nmmu3DEU0K— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 14, 2026 Historic bilateral milestonePrime Minister Modi is on an official two-day State visit to the European country, and he said that this visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation.He also added that he is "looking forward to productive meetings with Slovakia's President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico".Taking to his official X account, Prime Minister Modi wrote: "Reached Bratislava. This visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. Looking forward to productive meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico."Reached Bratislava. This visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. Looking forward to productive meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico.@PellegriniP_@RobertFicoSVK— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2026 This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its Independence in 1993.The visit by PM Modi follows President Droupadi Murmu's State Visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini's visit to India for the AI Impact Summit in February.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Modi is set to hold talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico, focusing on trade, investment, technology and bilateral cooperation.