The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, concluded her visit to Slovakia with a series of high-profile engagements, including addressing the Slovakia-India Business Forum in Bratislava on April 10, 2025. During her speech, she emphasized the importance of diversifying trade between the two nations and explored opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.
President Murmu highlighted India's remarkable transformation into a global leader in technology, innovation, and sustainable development. The country is expected to become a $5 trillion economy in the coming years, and Slovakia presents great opportunities for deeper trade and investment ties due to its strong industrial base and strategic location in Europe.
Slovakia's automotive, defence, and high-tech industries can benefit from India's vast consumer market, skilled workforce, and thriving start-up ecosystem. The President invited Slovak companies to join India's 'Make in India' initiative, which aims to promote manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
The Slovakia-India Business Forum provided an excellent platform for exploring synergies and building mutually beneficial partnerships. President Murmu urged business leaders to seize the opportunities and convert them into concrete results, expressing confidence that the deliberations at the Forum would lead to lasting partnerships.
In recognition of her distinguished career in public service and governance, advocacy for social justice and inclusion, and contribution towards education, women empowerment, and promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity, President Murmu was conferred with an Honoris Causa Doctorate degree from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra on April 10, 2025.
President Murmu emphasized the importance of education as a means for individual empowerment and national development. India has placed education at the heart of its national development strategy, investing heavily in its youth to drive the knowledge economy of tomorrow.
Despite embracing modernity and technology, Indian philosophical traditions remain deeply rooted in the wisdom of ancient times. The timeless wisdom of the Upanishads resonates in Slovakia as well, highlighting the importance of introspection, ethical conduct, and self-knowledge.
During her visit, President Murmu also witnessed a puppet show on Ramayan conducted by Ms. Lenka Mukova, and attended an exhibition of paintings by Slovak children. The President expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Slovakia for their warm welcome and hospitality, reaffirming India's commitment to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.
The visit comes at a significant time, as it builds on the strong cultural bond between the two nations, symbolized by captivating musical performances during a banquet hosted in her honour. The Slovak artists presented a National Anthem, signifying the deep connections between the two countries.