Bratislava [Slovakia], April 10 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu emphasized India’s commitment to expanding trade, investment, and cultural ties with Slovakia during her address at the Slovakia-India Business Forum in Bratislava. Her remarks came as part of a broader diplomatic outreach during her ongoing visit to the Slovak Republic.
Highlighting the growing synergy between the two nations, President Murmu called the forum an “excellent platform to build mutually beneficial partnerships” and urged business leaders to seize new opportunities.
“India is committed to enhancing trade relations with Slovakia,” she stated, citing the presence of a large Indian business delegation as a signal of strong bilateral interest.
She noted Slovakia’s increasing engagement with India’s fast-growing economy, skilled workforce, and dynamic startup ecosystem. The automotive sector has emerged as a cornerstone of this relationship, particularly with Jaguar Land Rover’s investment in Nitra, Slovakia. The plant, operational since 2018, produces the Land Rover Discovery and Defender models and marks a key milestone in Indo-Slovak industrial collaboration.
Expanding Economic & Cultural Ties
President Murmu also revealed that bilateral trade has surpassed €1.2 billion in 2024, but stressed this is only a fraction of the potential. Slovakia, she noted, is actively seeking skilled foreign professionals to support its industries—and Indian talent could be a crucial asset in this regard.
Beyond trade, cultural diplomacy took center stage. President Murmu attended:
- A puppet show based on the Ramayana, performed by Slovak artist Lenka Mukova.
- An art exhibition featuring Indian-themed paintings by Slovak schoolchildren. She praised the deepening people-to-people connections, symbolized by Slovak enthusiasm for yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian cuisine.
In a ceremonial highlight, President Peter Pellegrini hosted a banquet at Bratislava Castle in her honour, showcasing Slovak musical performances and national pride.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
In meetings with Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Pellegrini, President Murmu affirmed shared values such as democracy and rule of law, and discussed areas of convergence on global and regional matters.
Two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged:
- Cooperation in MSMEs between NSIC and the Slovak Business Agency
- Diplomatic training collaboration between India’s SSIFS and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
She also encouraged Slovakia to participate in India’s upcoming WAVE Summit in Mumbai (May 1–4), aimed at promoting collaborations in media, entertainment, and creative industries.
President Murmu’s visit underscores India’s growing diplomatic outreach in Central Europe and lays the groundwork for a deeper economic and cultural partnership with Slovakia.
(ANI)
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