Bratislava/New Delhi, 15 June (HS): India and Slovakia have decided to elevate their bilateral relationship to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday following talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Addressing a joint press statement after bilateral discussions in Bratislava, Modi said the decision reflects the shared priorities, mutual trust and future aspirations of the two countries.
The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in key sectors.
Modi thanked Slovakia for its support in advancing negotiations on the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and stressed the importance of working towards its early conclusion. He said the agreement would create new opportunities for industries, startups and businesses in both countries.
Referring to the signing of a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation, the Prime Minister said the move reflected growing trust and strategic understanding between the two nations and would help strengthen collaboration in defence development, production and industry.
The Prime Minister also highlighted cooperation in emerging technologies, noting that an Indian Chair on Artificial Intelligence is being established at a Slovak university.
Modi said the relationship between India and Slovakia is rooted in strong cultural and people-to-people ties, and invited Slovak companies to participate in India's rapidly expanding space sector.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
