PM Modi terms visit to Croatia a special one; is welcomed by Indian diaspora, Sanskrit chants
Zagreb (Croatia), June 18 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today termed his visit to Croatia as a special one, it being the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister to the central European nation. He thanked Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for the special gesture of welcoming him at the airport.
In a post on X, the PM said:
'A short while ago, landed in Zagreb, Croatia. This is a special visit, the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister to a valued European partner. I am grateful to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport.'
The Indian community also gave a rousing welcome to the PM.
'Croatia's Indian community has contributed to Croatia's progress and also remained in touch with their roots in India. In Zagreb, I interacted with some members of the Indian community, who accorded me an unforgettable welcome. There is immense enthusiasm among the Indian community here about this visit and its impact in making the bond between our nations stronger than ever before!'
Later, the PM was treated to the chanting of Sanskrit shlokas by a group in Zagreb. The PM who was seen appreciating the chanting, posted on X: 'The bonds of culture are strong and vibrant! Here is a part of the welcome in Zagreb. Happy to see Indian culture has so much respect in Croatia'
The two nations are expected to sign a number of memorandums and bilateral agreements across various sectors, including agriculture, culture, and education, during the talks between Prime Minister Modi and Croatian PM Plenkovic.
In the evening, the PM is to meet President Zoran Milanović.
'India is one of Croatia's most important partners in Asia. This is a historic, first visit by an Indian Prime Minister. It is the world's most populous country, with 1.44 billion people,' said PM Plenković at a government session on Wednesday.
He described the bilateral relations between the two countries as good and 'on the rise,' adding that Modi is visiting Croatia at his invitation, following the G7 summit in Canada.
India officially recognised Croatia in May 1992, and diplomatic relations were established in July of the same year.
Croatia and India have rarely exchanged visits at the highest level. President Stjepan Mesić paid an official visit to India in 2002, and then-President of India Ram Nath Kovind made a return visit in 2019.
According to data, trade between the two countries from January to November 2024 amounted to approximately USD 306 million, with Croatia running a significant trade deficit.
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