New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a significant state visit to Slovakia, marking a historic moment as the second Indian Head of State to visit the Slovak Republic. This visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Central European nations.
During her stay, President Murmu engaged in high-level discussions with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. These talks focused on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in trade, investment, and technological collaboration. Both leaders expressed a shared interest in diversifying trade partnerships and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
Highlighting India’s economic strides, President Murmu invited Slovak businesses to participate in India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. She emphasized that India stands as a beacon of progress amidst global uncertainties, offering a stable political environment and a burgeoning market for international investors.
A significant aspect of the visit was President Murmu’s tour of the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) facility in Nitra, Slovakia. She met with Indian staff and witnessed the production of the Land Rover Defender, underscoring the strong industrial ties between the two countries. The Nitra plant, operational since 2018, has been pivotal in strengthening economic relations, employing over 4,400 individuals, including a notable number of Indian nationals.
The visit also featured the exchange of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering cooperation in the fields of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and diplomatic training. These agreements are expected to pave the way for collaborative projects and capacity-building initiatives between India and Slovakia.
Culturally, President Murmu’s trip included interactions with the Indian community in Slovakia, reinforcing the people-to-people connect and highlighting the contributions of the diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties.
This state visit not only commemorates a significant milestone in India-Slovakia relations but also sets the stage for a future of enhanced cooperation across various sectors, benefiting both nations and contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
