Positive Momentum in India-Croatia Relations: PM Modi Hails Expanding Bilateral Ties

In a significant diplomatic interaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India-Croatia relations are witnessing a new era of cooperation and mutual trust. His recent remarks during his European outreach underscored the growing bond between New Delhi and Zagreb, with discussions covering a wide spectrum of sectors. PM Modi described the talks as “comprehensive and forward-looking,” reflecting a shared vision to strengthen the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

Broad-Based Dialogue to Strengthen India-Croatia Relations

PM Modi, known for his proactive foreign policy approach, reiterated India’s commitment to deepening its ties with Croatia. “Our talks covered many sectors, aimed at making the India-Croatia bond even stronger,” he stated during a press briefing. The focus was on enhancing cooperation across trade, technology, tourism, education, defence, and culture — all pillars that support the foundation of India-Croatia relations.

He appreciated Croatia’s growing engagement in South Asia and welcomed its keen interest in enhancing cooperation with India in multilateral forums. The leaders from both countries agreed that closer cooperation will benefit not just their domestic economies, but also contribute positively to regional and global peace and stability.

Trade and Technology: Key Pillars of India-Croatia Relations

Trade and technology were at the heart of the discussions. Both countries recognized the need to expand economic cooperation and tap into each other’s strengths. India, with its booming digital economy and innovation ecosystem, and Croatia, with its strong EU-linked infrastructure and scientific institutions, make ideal partners in sectors like information technology, startups, and biotechnology.

Modi expressed India’s willingness to enhance bilateral trade and promote joint ventures in high-value sectors. “We are optimistic that the next few years will witness a sharp rise in Indo-Croatian trade volumes,” he said, adding that small and medium enterprises in both countries have immense untapped potential.

Cultural Bonds Enriching India-Croatia Relations

Modi also highlighted the cultural harmony that strengthens India-Croatia relations. The historical interest in Indian philosophy and yoga in Croatian society was lauded, as were growing cultural exchanges and tourism. India’s vibrant diaspora in Croatia acts as a bridge of goodwill, promoting Indian traditions while embracing local customs.

Efforts are being made to organize more cultural festivals, academic exchanges, and heritage tourism programs. Plans are underway to establish an Indian Culture Centre in Croatia to promote Hindi language studies, yoga, classical dance, and Indian cuisine.

Shared Commitment Towards Global Challenges

During the talks, both nations acknowledged their shared commitment towards global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemic preparedness. Modi emphasized the importance of collaborative action in a rapidly changing geopolitical climate.

India and Croatia pledged to cooperate on clean energy, sustainable development, and green technology. Croatia, a member of the European Union, also expressed support for India’s aspirations in multilateral institutions and reforms in the United Nations Security Council.

Defense and Maritime Cooperation Also on the Table

Modi noted that India-Croatia relations could benefit from strategic cooperation in defense manufacturing and maritime security. Given both nations’ maritime interests — India as a major Indo-Pacific player and Croatia as a key Adriatic Sea nation — future naval cooperation was viewed as a mutually beneficial area.

India invited Croatian defence firms to participate in the “Make in India” initiative and collaborate with Indian public and private sectors to build joint capabilities.

Education, Youth, and Innovation to Drive Future Relations

A special emphasis was placed on educational and youth exchanges to foster long-term goodwill. With student exchange programs, scholarships, and research collaborations expanding, India-Croatia relations are finding new champions among the younger generation.

PM Modi pointed out that Croatia’s universities and India’s Institutes of Excellence can jointly contribute to innovation-led growth. “Our youth can become the architects of our shared future,” he said.

A Promising Future for India-Croatia Relations

As the dialogue concluded on a high note, the roadmap for a stronger India-Croatia partnership looks promising. Both nations are set to increase people-to-people contact, institutional cooperation, and policy alignment in the coming years.

In conclusion, PM Modi’s reaffirmation of strengthening India-Croatia relations sends a strong message to the global community about India’s deepening engagement with Europe and its intent to build meaningful, strategic partnerships based on trust and mutual growth.