BRATISLAVA :

 

INDIA and Slovakia on Monday elevated their ties to a comprehensive partnership and firmed up 11 agreements to expand the bilateral cooperation in a range of areas such as migration, digital technology and defence following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico. The two leaders also agreed to work towards the “earliest” implementation of the India-European Union free trade agreement that is expected to significantly shore up the bilateral economic engagement. Modi is in Bratislava as part of his week-long visit to Europe. It is the first visit to the European nation by an Indian Prime Minister. “We have decided to elevate our relations to the status of a Comprehensive Partnership. This symbolises our shared beliefs, shared priorities, and shared future,” he said in his media statement.

 

The Prime Minister said he and Fico discussed ways to give a “new direction” to the ties. Modi and Fico also agreed to enhance cooperation in the energy sector with a view to promoting energy security, sustainability and resilience through diversification of energy sources, including nuclear energy and geothermal power. In his remarks, PM Fico hailed the India-EU FTA, describing it as one of the “most ambitious” trade pacts ever signed. Earlier Modi received a warm welcome upon his arrival in Bratislava, Slovakia. Marking his landmark visit to the European nation, members of the Indian diaspora gathered in large numbers to welcome him, while the team of celebrated Lucnica Ensemble presented a special rendition of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’.