In a visit filled with warmth, symbolism, and shared commitment to stronger relations, President of India Droupadi Murmu arrived in Bratislava on the concluding leg of her State Visit to Portugal and the Slovak Republic. This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first visit by an Indian President to Slovakia in 29 years. Accompanied by Minister of State Smt Nimuben Bambhaniya and Members of Parliament Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt Sandhya Ray, the President’s visit underscored India’s growing outreach to its global partners.
President Murmu was welcomed with great respect and traditional Slovak hospitality at the Presidential Palace, where President Peter Pellegrini received her with warmth and grace. The welcome, complete with ceremonial honors and cultural gestures, reflected the deep respect shared between the two nations.
In her meeting with President Pellegrini, both leaders held detailed discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. President Murmu highlighted the cultural affinity between the two nations and acknowledged Slovakia’s growing appreciation for Indian art, music, and cinema. She spoke of the exciting potential for collaboration in India’s thriving media and creative sectors, and extended an invitation for Slovakia’s active participation in the upcoming WAVE Summit in Mumbai.
The visit also saw the signing of two important Memorandums of Understanding—one focusing on collaboration between MSMEs through India’s NSIC and the Slovak Business Agency, and the other promoting diplomatic training cooperation between the foreign service institutes of both nations. These agreements are expected to further open doors for shared learning and economic synergy.
President Murmu also met with the Speaker of the Slovak National Council, Mr. Richard Raši, extending her congratulations on his recent election. In a heartfelt exchange, she reaffirmed the historic friendship between the two countries and emphasized the value of parliamentary engagement in fostering people-to-people connections. She appreciated the tradition of the Slovak-India Friendship Group and expressed hope that such parliamentary exchanges would deepen understanding and cooperation.
Later, the President held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Robert Fico. She expressed India’s appreciation for its close and time-tested relationship with Slovakia, rooted in shared democratic values and a common outlook on global issues. Both leaders agreed on the importance of further diversifying the partnership across various sectors, including trade, education, and technology.
President Murmu’s visit to Slovakia was not just a diplomatic engagement—it was a warm and human affirmation of two friendly nations seeking to build a better future through mutual respect, cultural appreciation, and shared aspirations. Her presence in Bratislava carried the message that India deeply values its international friendships and is eager to walk hand-in-hand with partners like Slovakia toward greater collaboration and understanding.
