India-Slovakia ties upgraded to Comprehensive Partnership as Fico backs swift India-EU FTA progress

India and Slovakia on Monday elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnershipmarking a significant step in expanding cooperation across technology, trade, manufacturing and innovation sectors.

The development came after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Ficoduring which both leaders discussed ways to deepen economic engagement and strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies.

Prime Minister Fico also expressed support for the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and said Slovakia would take the “necessary steps” to facilitate its implementation at the earliest.

India-EU FTA gains fresh momentum

The proposed India-EU FTA featured prominently during the discussions between the two leaders.

Prime Minister Modi noted that the agreement would provide fresh momentum to economic ties between India and Slovakia and create new opportunities for businesses and investors on both sides.

Fico’s remarks are being viewed as a positive signal for ongoing negotiations between India and the European Union, which have intensified in recent months with the aim of expanding trade and investment flows.

Technology cooperation in focus

Technology emerged as a key pillar of the strengthened partnership.

Both countries emphasized cooperation in digital technology, artificial intelligence and space-related initiatives. An agreement on digital technology is expected to open new avenues for collaboration between government agencies, research institutions and private sector entities.

Prime Minister Modi said India and Slovakia would work closely in emerging technologies, particularly in AI and digital innovation, reflecting a shared commitment to technological advancement and future-ready industries.

Expanding cooperation across strategic sectors

The two leaders also discussed cooperation in a range of industrial and strategic sectors.

According to statements issued after the meeting, discussions covered automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing and green technologyareas seen as having significant potential for investment and industrial partnerships.

Both sides expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation would contribute to economic growth and strengthen business-to-business engagement between the two countries.

A new chapter in bilateral relations

Prime Minister Modi described the meeting with Robert Fico as an excellent interaction and termed the elevation of ties a special moment in India-Slovakia relations.

The decision to upgrade relations to a Comprehensive Partnership reflects the growing importance both countries attach to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Officials said the upgraded framework is expected to guide future engagement in trade, technology, innovation and strategic cooperation, while also strengthening India’s outreach within Europe.

As India continues to deepen engagement with European partners, the India-Slovakia partnership is expected to play an increasingly important role in fostering economic and technological collaboration.