PM receives reprint of 18th-century Sanskrit grammar from Croatian counterpart

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received a significant cultural gift from his Croatian counterpart, Andrej Plenkovic - a reprint of the first printed Sanskrit grammar written in Latin in 1790. The work, by Croatian scientist and missionary Filip Vezdin during his stay in India, was presented to PM Modi during his visit to Croatia, marking the first-ever trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the country.

PM Modi arrived in Zagreb from Canada, after attending the G7 Summit, on the final leg of his three-nation tour, which also included his visit in Cyprus earlier. His arrival in Croatia is seen as a landmark step in strengthening Indo-Croatian relations.

Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic took to social media to highlight the historical and symbolic importance of the gift given to PM Modi. He noted that Vezdin had written the grammar based on the knowledge he acquired from Kerala Brahmins and local Indian manuscripts. Plenkovic called the reprint "a symbol of the early cultural ties between Croatia and India." He added that Vezdin was among the first European scholars to deeply engage with Indian languages and culture.

Welcoming PM Modi to Zagreb, Plenkovic said in another post that the Indian leader's visit came at a crucial geopolitical moment and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the political and economic cooperation of the two countries. He added that India was one of Croatia's key Asian trading partners, with bilateral trade amounting to USD 242 million last year.

Trade figures in the first quarter of 2025 had already shown a 10 percent increase, he added, and noted the growing number of Indian tourists visiting Croatia.

Both countries signed agreements aimed at boosting collaboration in agriculture, science and technology, culture, and university partnerships. Plenkovic said Croatia was keen to strengthen ties in sectors such as ICT, pharmaceuticals and maritime transport. He also showcased Croatia's strategic importance as the Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe.

The leaders also held detailed discussions on the ongoing situation in the Middle East and broader global security challenges. Emphasising the need for stronger India-EU relations, Plenkovic reiterated the importance of collective efforts on the global stage.

As part of the ceremonial exchange, PM Modi was presented with the book "Croatia & India, Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business", written by Croatian diplomat Dr Sinisa Grgic. The book offers a comparative overview of the two nations and highlights their diplomatic and business engagements. Plenkovic said that the book symbolised the achievements of both countries and expressed hope that it would further inspire cooperation and deepen bilateral ties.

In response, PM Modi thanked the Croatian Prime Minister for the warm gesture and hospitality. In a post on X, he expressed gratitude for being shown around the historically and culturally rich city centre of Zagreb. He added that his talks with Plenkovic were highly productive, covering a wide range of sectors to reinforce the India-Croatia bond.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that both countries would work closely in areas such as defence and security, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, renewable energy and advanced technologies. He also pointed out future cooperation opportunities in shipbuilding, semiconductors and connectivity.

Plenkovic, in his post on X, also extended his condolences to the Indian people and the families affected by the tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad.