Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with Croatian Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb today, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia. The historic meeting was a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
Upon arrival at the Banski Dvori palace, a ceremony of welcome was accorded to Prime Minister Modi, who was also greeted warmly by Prime Minister Plenkovic at the airport earlier in the day. The two leaders held delegation-level talks, engaging in wide-ranging discussions on various aspects of their bilateral partnership, including trade and investment, science and technology, defense and security, space, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people ties.
The two leaders agreed that there were significant opportunities for increased cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure, ports and shipping, digitalization, AI, renewable energy, Pharma, and tourism and hospitality. They noted that the popularity of Indian culture, Indology, and Yoga in Croatia has brought the people of the two countries closer together. Prime Minister Modi conveyed wishes for the celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21 to all yoga enthusiasts in Croatia.
The leaders recognized the need to encourage greater business-to-business collaboration and facilitate investment partnerships and joint ventures to drive inclusive and sustainable growth in both countries. Towards this objective, Prime Minister Modi suggested that Croatia could leverage India’s skilled talent, and called for setting up institutional collaboration in the field of mobility. They agreed on the importance of improving connectivity, including through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which Croatia can serve as India's gateway into Central and Southeastern Europe.
The leaders also discussed important regional and global issues of mutual interest, exchanging views on reform of the United Nations and other international institutions, climate change action, and threats posed by terrorism. Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Plenkovic for strong support and solidarity extended by Croatia to India in its fight against terrorism. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the deepening of India-EU strategic ties and conveyed their support for early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Following the talks, four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed in the fields of agriculture, science & technology, and culture, as well as the renewal of a Hindi Chair. A Joint Statement was issued on the occasion of the visit.
Prime Minister Plenkovic hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Modi, inviting him to visit India at a mutually convenient time. The historic meeting marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Croatia, paving the way for increased cooperation in various sectors.