President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Slovakia marked a significant moment in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations, as she held wide-ranging discussions with newly elected Slovak President Peter Pellegrini.
Her two-day visit, the first by an Indian President in nearly three decades, was aimed at deepening cooperation and exploring new avenues of partnership across diverse sectors.
The two leaders met for one-on-one as well as delegation-level talks in Bratislava, where both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues.
President Murmu was accompanied by Minister of State Nimuben Bambhaniya, Members of Parliament Dhaval Patel and Sandhya Ray, and senior officials from the Indian government.
President Murmu commended President Pellegrini’s personal efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, expressing appreciation for Slovakia’s consistent support, including during India’s evacuation of students from Ukraine.
In a symbolic step forward, two Memoranda of Understanding were exchanged. One focused on cooperation between micro, small and medium enterprises, while the other was signed between the foreign service institutes of both nations.
During her remarks, President Murmu acknowledged the growing appreciation for Indian culture in Slovakia. She underlined the untapped potential for collaboration in the fields of media, entertainment and creative industries.
She invited Slovakia to participate in India’s upcoming WAVE Summit in Mumbai in May 2025, which focuses on creative and digital economies.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu was welcomed with full state honours at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava. A traditional Slovak welcome was also extended, with bread and salt offered by a couple dressed in local folk attire.
In a joint press conference with President Pellegrini, President Murmu expressed optimism about the future of India-Slovakia ties. She noted that the friendship between the two countries is built on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and a common vision for a multipolar world.
She also highlighted the steady rise in trade and investment between the two countries and praised the Indian community in Slovakia for enhancing people-to-people connections.
President Pellegrini reciprocated the warmth, acknowledging India as one of the oldest civilisations with deep cultural influence.
He welcomed the growing cooperation in the field of culture, citing the recent translation of the Upanishads into Slovak as a testament to the enduring connection between the two nations. He also expressed Slovakia’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Later, President Murmu met the Speaker of the Slovak National Council, Richard Rasi, congratulating him on his election and reaffirming India’s commitment to parliamentary diplomacy.
She recognised the role of the India-Slovakia Friendship Group in fostering mutual understanding and encouraged further exchanges between lawmakers of both countries.
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