Modi’s landmark Croatia visit underscores strategic ties and Europe‑India corridor ambitions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded a landmark visit to Croatia—the first ever by an Indian prime minister—capping off a three-nation diplomatic tour that included Cyprus and Canada.

He arrived in Zagreb on June 18 for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Zoran Milanović, marking a significant milestone in India–Croatia relations.

During delegation-level discussions at Banski Dvori, the two leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue over conflict, agreeing that international issues in both Europe and Asia must be resolved through diplomacy—not warfare.

They underscored their shared commitment to democratic values and global peace in the wake of recent geopolitical tensions.

Modi and Plenković signed four memoranda of understanding in agriculture, culture, science and technology, and established a Hindi chair at the University of Zagreb under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

The ICCR is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

Both the leaders agreed to establish a structured defense cooperation plan involving military training exchanges and industry partnerships, while also pledging to speed up discussions on an India–EU free trade agreement—Croatia having reaffirmed its support.

The visit also focused on expanding cooperation in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital technologies, IT, cybersecurity, shipbuilding, and semiconductor development.

Croat-Indian collaborative efforts in higher education saw a boost with proposed academic exchange programmes and joint research ventures, particularly in Indology.

Highlighting Croatia’s strategic role in India’s Europe policy, Modi described the visit as the start of a “new chapter” in bilateral cooperation.

He stressed Croatia’s potential as a maritime gateway under the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, with its Adriatic ports offering transshipment opportunities for Indian exports.

Modi concluded the visit with a ceremonial reception in Zagreb and expressed gratitude on social media, calling it a historic milestone for shared growth and cooperation.

He returned to New Delhi on June 19, ending a diplomatic tour that also saw him attending the G7 summit in Canada and making a state visit to Cyprus.