First Indian Presidential visit to the Slovak Republic in 29 years highlights deepening bilateral ties and shared global interests
President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, arrived in Bratislava on the final leg of her state visit to Portugal and Slovakia, marking the first official trip by an Indian President to the Slovak Republic in nearly three decades. Accompanied by Minister of State Smt Nimuben Bambhaniya and Members of Parliament Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt Sandhya Ray, the visit signaled a renewed commitment to strengthening India-Slovakia relations.
President Murmu emphasizes collaboration in media, culture, MSMEs and diplomatic training during landmark state visit
Upon her arrival, President Murmu was greeted with a traditional Slovak welcome of bread and salt and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Presidential Palace, where she was received by President Peter Pellegrini. During one-on-one and delegation-level talks, the two leaders reviewed their growing bilateral ties and exchanged views on global and regional developments.
President Murmu praised the enthusiasm for Indian art and culture in Slovakia and identified areas for enhanced cooperation — particularly in the creative economy, media, and entertainment sectors. She extended an invitation for Slovakia’s active participation in the upcoming WAVE Summit 2025 in Mumbai, scheduled for May 1-4.
The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) — one focused on MSME cooperation between India’s NSIC and the Slovak Business Agency, and another aimed at enhancing diplomatic training cooperation between the SSIFS and Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Later, President Murmu met Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia, Richard Raši, congratulating him on his recent election and emphasizing the vital role of Parliamentarians in promoting goodwill and mutual understanding.
She highlighted the significance of the Slovak-India Friendship Group as a platform to strengthen parliamentary exchanges between the two nations.
Concluding her engagements, the President held a meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico.
She acknowledged Slovakia as a valued partner, noting the two countries’ shared democratic values and mutual interests on global issues.
Both leaders agreed to diversify and strengthen bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
This historic visit marks a new chapter in India-Slovakia diplomatic engagement, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to a dynamic and forward-looking partnership.
