PM Modi Arrives in Slovakia On Historic Visit; First Indian PM To Visit Since 1993

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday evening (local time) arrived in Slovakia's Bratislava on the second leg of his two-nation visit, where he will hold talks with President  Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico and also meet business leaders.

Is PM Modi first PM to visit Slovakia since 1993?

Prime Minister Modi is the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Slovakia since its independence in 1993.

After arriving in Slovakia on Sunday night, PM Modi posted on X, stating, "Reached Bratislava, this visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. Looking forward to productive meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico."

Where was PM Modi before Bratislava?

The Prime Minister arrived in Bratislava after bilateral talks with President Emmanuel Macron in Nice, France, and also participated in the inauguration of the 'India Innovates' programme in France. PM Modi will be on a two-day visit to Slovakia from June 14 to 16.

"Upon arrival at the hotel, he was welcomed by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár in accordance with Slovak tradition," the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

PM Modi was given a traditional welcome with bread and salt, which in the Slovak culture is a symbol of respect and hospitality, upon his arrival. The Indian diaspora also gathered to welcome him, which reflect the growing people-to-people ties between the two countries.

What did PM Modi say?

"This historic visit will build on the strong momentum of our bilateral relations. I look forward to my discussions with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico. I will also have the opportunity to meet Slovak business leaders," Prime Minister Modi said in a statement ahead of the visit.

The Prime Minister also said that the visit will further energise India's strategic partnership with the European Union, of which Slovakia is an important and valued member.

Prime Minister Modi's visit follows President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and Slovakia President Peter Pellegrini's visit to India for the 'AI Impact Summit' in February 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Will PM Modi return to France?

PM Modi will return to France to attend the G7 summit on June 16-17. At the summit, PM Modi is expected to discuss topics such as international cooperation, economic development and artificial intelligence with G7 leaders and representatives of invited partner countries. He will also hold several bilateral meetings.

In the last leg of the visit, he will travel to Paris on June 18, where he will join President Macron at Europe's largest technology and startup event, 'VivaTech 2026'.