The 8th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and the Czech Republic was held on January 15, 2025, in New Delhi. The consultations were co-chaired by Shri M. Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary (Central Europe), Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Ms. Katerina Sequensova, Director General, Non-European Countries, Economic and Development Cooperation Section, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
During the consultations, both sides conducted a thorough review of bilateral ties and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across multiple domains. The discussions covered key areas, including high-level political exchanges, trade and investment opportunities, scientific and technological collaborations, defense partnerships, and people-to-people connections. Special emphasis was placed on enhancing student mobility between the two nations to deepen cultural and educational exchanges.
Both delegations also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to fostering a rules-based international order.
Ms. Sequensova also met Shri Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, for an in-depth discussion on bilateral relations and broader geopolitical developments.
India and the Czech Republic share longstanding friendly relations, which were elevated to a Strategic Partnership on Innovation during the visit of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala to India in January 2024. This partnership has paved the way for closer collaboration in cutting-edge sectors, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation-driven growth.
The two sides agreed to convene the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Prague at a mutually convenient time, reinforcing their dedication to maintaining regular dialogue and cooperation.