National/ International/ Business Desk
10 April
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist Research Analysist
President Droupadi Murmu met her Slovak counterpart, Peter Pellegrini, today and reviewed various aspects of the bilateral relationship between India and Slovakia. The two leaders expressed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in multiple sectors and agreed to work together to deepen ties.
According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, President Murmu appreciated the popularity of Indian art and culture in Slovakia. She highlighted the potential for further collaboration in emerging areas such as media, entertainment, and the creative economy. President Murmu also invited Slovakia to actively participate in the VEV Summit being held in India from May 1 to 4.
During the meeting, two important agreements were signed. The first was between India’s National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and the Slovak Business Agency, focused on cooperation in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The second agreement was signed between India’s SSlFS and Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to enhance collaboration between the two governments.
Upon her arrival in Slovakia, President Murmu was warmly received by President Pellegrini. She arrived in Slovakia after completing her visit to Portugal. President Murmu is only the second Indian head of state to visit Slovakia.
During her two-day stay, she is scheduled to hold high-level delegation talks and meet with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Speaker of the National Council Richard Raši. President Murmu will also visit the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plant in Nitra, a Tata Motors investment. The plant began operations in 2018 with a 1.4 billion euro investment and has the capacity to produce 150,000 vehicles annually.
The visit marks a key step in enhancing India’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Central Europe.