India, Slovakia elevate ties to comprehensive partnership, sign defence, tech pacts

During the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia, the two nations have officially elevated their bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership. The diplomatic engagement focused on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing, and green technologies. Key agreements were announced, featuring a Memorandum of Understanding on digital technology to enhance digital public infrastructure and the establishment of an India chair for Artificial Intelligence at a Slovakian university. The two countries also signed a letter of intent to boost defence cooperation, aiming for joint development and production between their defence industries. Additional discussions highlighted the potential for collaboration in the space sector and civil nuclear energy. To facilitate the movement of professionals and skilled workers, an MoU on labour migration was announced, with plans to finalise a social security agreement soon. The leaders also emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of global disputes and the swift implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.