PM Modi concludes first-ever Croatia visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his historic and first-ever official visit to Croatia and is on his way to New Delhi. Packed with high-level engagements, the visit marked a significant elevation in India-Croatia ties and set the stage for future strategic collaborations.

Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging delegation-level talks with his Croatian counterpart, Andrej Plenković, at Banski Dvori during his day-long visit to the central and southeast European country. Both leaders issued a joint press statement, emphasising their commitment to global peace, democratic values, and expanding cooperation across trade, technology, and culture.

Prime Minister Modi strongly advocated peaceful resolution of conflicts, stating that whether in Europe or Asia, solutions cannot be found on the battlefield. He said Dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths forward. Mr Modi also reaffirmed India’s consistent stand on respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.

Condemning terrorism as the enemy of humanity, Mr Modi thanked the Croatian leadership and people for standing in solidarity with India following the terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam. He said such support in difficult times reflects the depth of mutual trust and friendship.

Both leaders also agreed to deepen bilateral trade and build resilient, dependable supply chains. New areas identified for enhanced cooperation include Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Information Technology, Clean and Digital Technologies, Renewable Energy, and Semiconductors. Mr Modi highlighted growing cooperation in shipbuilding, cybersecurity, and defence. A long-term Defence Cooperation Plan will be formulated to include joint training, military exchanges, and industry-level partnerships.

In a major step to strengthen ties, both nations signed four Memoranda of Understanding. First MoU has been inked for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors. The second MoU has been signed for the Cultural Exchange Programme for the years 2026-2030. The third one is the Programme of Cooperation in the field of Science & Technology between the concerned Ministries of the two countries for the period 2025-2029. The fourth MoU is regarding the establishment of the Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb.

Prime Minister Modi also appreciated the growing popularity of yoga in Croatia. He expressed confidence that International Yoga Day on June 21 will again be celebrated with enthusiasm across



the country.

In another key engagement, Prime Minister Modi held a separate meeting with Croatian President Zoran Milanović. The two leaders had a cordial and forward-looking discussion, reiterating their shared vision for strengthening bilateral relations. They emphasised collaboration in multilateral forums, expanding people-to-people connections, and upholding the principles of democracy, pluralism, and international law.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković hosted a gala dinner in Zagreb in honour of Prime Minister Modi.

As he departed for New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Croatia for their warm hospitality. He described the visit as a landmark moment that opens a new chapter in India-Croatia cooperation based on shared values and mutual aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Croatia came to a successful conclusion with a strong message of friendship, cooperation, and shared global vision. In a notable diplomatic development, Prime Minister Modi met both Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Zoran Milanović during his stay in Zagreb. His meeting with President Milanović highlighted the growing strategic alignment between the two nations on global issues, including peace, democracy, and multilateralism. Both leaders expressed interest in enhancing bilateral ties, increasing educational and cultural exchanges, and boosting collaboration at global platforms.

The delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Plenković were equally impactful. The two sides agreed on expanding trade, technology partnerships, and defence cooperation. The four MoUs signed today added significant momentum to the bilateral framework, particularly in agriculture, science, and culture.

In his statements, PM Modi condemned terrorism and underscored the need for a united response from democratic nations. His appreciation for Croatia’s support after the recent terrorist attack in India found strong emotional resonance in Zagreb.

The gala dinner hosted by PM Plenković added a warm personal touch, celebrating the deepening ties between India and Croatia.

With this landmark visit, Prime Minister Modi has opened a new chapter in India’s engagement with Central and Southeast Europe anchored in trust, cooperation, and shared democratic values.