What happened?
On June 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic, in Zagreb, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia. Prime Minister Plenkovic welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport and accorded him a ceremonial welcome at the Banski Dvori palace. The two leaders held delegation-level talks, discussing various aspects of their bilateral partnership, including trade and investment, science and technology, defence and security, space, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people ties. Both leaders identified significant opportunities for increased cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure, ports and shipping, digitalisation, AI, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and tourism and hospitality. Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in the fields of agriculture, science and technology, and culture, along with the renewal of a Hindi Chair. A Joint Statement was also issued.
Why it matters to India
This historic visit underscores India’s strategic push to expand its diplomatic and economic footprint in Europe. The discussions on enhanced cooperation in diverse sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, and digitalisation align with India’s growth priorities and its ambition to diversify trade partnerships. The agreement on improving connectivity, including through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), positions Croatia as a potential gateway for India into Central and Southeastern Europe, offering significant logistical and economic advantages. The emphasis on encouraging business-to-business collaboration and investment partnerships is crucial for fostering inclusive and sustainable growth, while India’s suggestion for Croatia to leverage its skilled talent highlights India’s strength in human resources. The deepening of India-EU strategic ties and support for an early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement further reinforce India’s broader economic and geopolitical objectives.