Slovak PM Robert Fico praises India’s growth, congratulates PM Modi on record tenure

By R Anil Kumar

Bratislava, Slovakia, June 15, 2026. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday, June 15, lauded India’s rapid economic growth, digital transformation and advances in artificial intelligence (AI), saying the country has outpaced many advanced nations and emerged as a global leader in innovation and technology.

Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after bilateral talks in Bratislava, Fico described India as a rising global power and congratulated the country on its remarkable achievements across multiple sectors.

“It is a great honour for me to welcome the Prime Minister of the country with the largest population in the world, the fifth-largest economy, and a nation that aspires to become the world’s third-largest economy,” Fico said.

Praising India’s technological progress, the Slovak leader said the country has made extraordinary strides in digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

“You dominate in the field of digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence. You have come so far that you are faster than many advanced countries in different parts of the world, including some in Western Europe,” Fico said.

Highlighting India’s strong economic performance, he contrasted it with challenges facing Europe.

“I would like to congratulate India on its impressive economic growth. What would the European Union do if it could achieve growth of 6-7 per cent? Unfortunately, we continue to struggle with competitiveness and other economic challenges,” he said.

Fico Calls PM Modi’s Political Journey a “Miracle”

Fico also congratulated PM Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister, describing the achievement as a “political miracle.”

“I congratulate you on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in India. Serving consecutively for 12 years in such a complex democratic environment with so many political parties is like a political miracle,” he said.

PM Modi completed 4,399 consecutive days in office on June 10, surpassing the record previously held by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Slovakia Supports India’s Permanent Membership in UNSC

Expressing support for reform of the United Nations system, Fico strongly backed India’s bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

“The Government of Slovakia supports reform of the United Nations. We are strongly convinced that countries like India must become permanent members of the Security Council,” he said.

Fico also underscored the importance of multilateralism and adherence to international law in resolving global conflicts.

Support for India-EU Free Trade Agreement

Welcoming progress in negotiations between India and the European Union, Fico said Slovakia strongly supports the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

“Slovakia welcomes the agreement reached between the European Union and India on free trade. It is one of the most ambitious trade agreements under discussion, and Slovakia will take all necessary steps to ensure its implementation at the earliest,” he said.

Historic Visit Strengthens Bilateral Ties

PM Modi’s visit marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country’s independence in 1993.

During the visit, the two leaders held delegation-level and one-on-one talks covering trade, investment, defence, digital technologies, renewable energy, innovation, cyber security, space cooperation, nuclear energy, skill development and people-to-people exchanges.

The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Secretary (West) Sibi George and Additional Secretary Puja Kapur.

PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour upon his arrival in Bratislava. He is also scheduled to meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and interact with Slovak business leaders to boost economic cooperation and investment between the two countries.

The visit is expected to give fresh momentum to India-Slovakia relations and deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, manufacturing, defence production and innovation-driven sectors.

PM Modi, Slovakian counterpart Fico pay tributes at Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Bratislava

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Bratislava, honouring the courage and sacrifice of the fallen heroes and remembering their courage, dedication and enduring legacy for Slovakia’s liberation.

The two leaders were also seen engaged in a conversation as they came to pay tribute at the monument in Bratislava.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Fico held a meeting in Bratislava, where they explored new avenues of cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, technology and innovation, space and nuclear energy, education and culture and talent mobility and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders also discussed regional and global issues, including reform of the United Nations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other officials also attended the meeting.

Sharing details regarding the meeting on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, PM Narendra Modi and PM Robert Fico reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations and explored new avenues of cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, technology and innovation, space and nuclear energy, education and culture and talent mobility and people-to-people exchanges. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues, including reform of the United Nations.”

“The leaders noted that the implementation of the historic India-EU FTA will unlock substantial opportunities in trade, manufacturing, investment and employment generations, particularly for the youth. In a significant step, both leaders agreed to elevate India-Slovakia ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. The meeting resulted in several outcomes including in the areas of digital tech, defence, cybersecurity, post-quantum technologies, Audio-Visual creation, mobility, scientific cooperation including nuclear,” he added.

PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome in Bratislava. Prior to the meeting, PM Fico welcomed PM Modi and the two leaders warmly greeted each other.

PM Modi arrived in Bratislava on Sunday for a two-day State Visit to Slovakia. He was received by the Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar at the hotel where the Prime Minister was accorded a traditional Slovak welcome. This will be This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence in 1993.

Upon arrival in Slovakia, PM Modi stated that this visit will provide an opportunity to deepen ties between the two nations and explore new avenues of cooperation.

PM Modi’s visit follows President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini’s visit to India for the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.