Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković held delegation-level talks in Zagreb on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in India-Croatia relations. The discussions, which focused on expanding cooperation across key sectors, were followed by the signing of multiple agreements aimed at strengthening strategic ties.
This engagement, part of Prime Minister Modi’s historic first-ever visit to Croatia, underscored a shared commitment to advancing collaboration in defence, trade, technology, and culture. Both leaders vowed to fast-track bilateral relations, with PM Modi declaring, “We have decided to speed up our bilateral relations three times in our third term.”
A major highlight of the talks was the announcement of a Defence Cooperation Plan, envisioned as a long-term roadmap for collaboration in military training, personnel exchanges, and defence industry engagement. The plan is expected to enhance interoperability and foster deeper security ties between the two nations.
Beyond defence, the two sides agreed to ramp up cooperation in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, information technology, clean technology, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy. PM Modi emphasized that both countries have identified sectors where their economies complement each other and can work towards creating resilient and reliable supply chains.
India also extended an invitation to Croatian companies to participate in major infrastructure initiatives, including opportunities in port modernization, coastal development, and multi-modal connectivity under India’s ambitious Sagarmala Project.
#WATCH | Zagreb, Croatia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says “There are also ample opportunities for Croatian companies in the port modernisation, coastal zone development and multi-modal connectivity being carried out under India’s Sagarmala Project. We have emphasised joint… pic.twitter.com/etBIhSoRqA
— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2025
The talks also paved the way for greater collaboration in education and research. PM Modi announced enhanced joint research programs and academic partnerships, stating that India will share its space technology expertise with Croatia. “We have emphasized joint research and collaboration between our academic institutions. India will share its space experience with Croatia,” he said.
Cultural diplomacy also featured prominently. The MoU for the Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb has been extended until 2030, and a five-year cultural exchange program has been finalized to boost people-to-people ties. A Mobility Agreement to facilitate smoother movement between the two countries is expected to be concluded soon.
“This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, and I am honored to be here,” PM Modi said, expressing heartfelt appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Croatian government. “India and Croatia are connected by shared values—democracy, rule of law, pluralism, and quality.”
#WATCH | Zagreb, Croatia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says “I express my heartfelt gratitude to Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenković and the Croatian government for the enthusiasm, warmth and affection with which I have been welcomed on this historic and beautiful land of… pic.twitter.com/nRL3TD3uPT
— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2025
The Prime Minister was earlier accorded ceremonial welcome on his arrival in Croatia.
