Zagreb (Croatia), June 18 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held productive talks with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb today, with the two sides agreeing to work closely in the fields of defence and security, pharma, renewable energy, and IT.

Later, PM Modi called on President Zoran Milanovic. He also took a walk, accompanied by the Croatian PM, of the city square. PM Modi is the first ever Indian PM to visit Croatia.

PM Modi said in posts on X:

“Held productive talks with my friend, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Zagreb. Our talks covered many sectors, aimed at making the India-Croatia bond even stronger. We will be working closely in the fields of defence and security, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, renewable energy, technology and more. Synergies in areas like semiconductors, shipbuilding, connectivity and more will also be greatly beneficial.”

The MEA spokesperson said:

“A new chapter in the India-Croatia relationship.

“PM @narendramodi held productive discussions with PM @AndrejPlenkovic in Zagreb, Croatia.

“The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Croatia bilateral relations & explored avenues to deepen collaboration in sectors like digital technologies, space, renewable energy, defence, maritime infrastructure, tourism and hospitality, amongst others.

“PM thanked Croatia for its steadfast support to India in fighting cross-border terrorism. The leaders also called for further deepening India-EU strategic ties.”

A readout said, it is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia and therefore, a historic milestone in India-Croatia ties.

On arrival at the historic Banski Dvori palace, Prime Minister was received by Prime Minister Plenkovic and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Earlier in the day, in a special and warm gesture, Prime Minister was welcomed by Prime Minister Plenkovic when he arrived at the airport in Zagreb.

The two leaders held delegation level talks. They engaged in wide-ranging discussions on various aspects of the bilateral partnership, including trade and investment, science and technology, defense and security, space, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people ties. The two leaders agreed that there were significant opportunities for increased cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure, ports and shipping, digitalization, AI, renewable energy, Pharma and tourism and hospitality. They noted that popularity of Indian culture, Indology and Yoga in Croatia have brought the people of the two countries closer. Prime Minister conveyed wishes for the celebration of the upcoming International Yoga Day on June 21 to all yoga enthusiasts in Croatia.

The leaders noted the recent initiatives at building start-up and innovation partnerships. They recognized the need to encourage greater business-to-business collaboration and facilitate investment partnerships and joint ventures to drive inclusive and sustainable growth in both countries.

Towards this objective, Prime Minister Modi suggested that Croatia could leverage India’s skilled talent and called for setting up institutional collaboration in the field of mobility. They agreed on the importance of improving connectivity, including through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor [IMEC]. Croatia can serve as India’s gateway into Central and Southeastern Europe.

The leaders also discussed important regional and global issues of mutual interest. They exchanged views on reform of the United Nations and other international institutions, climate change action and threats posed by terrorism. Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Plenkovic for the strong support and solidarity extended by Croatia to India in its fight against terrorism. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the deepening of India-EU strategic ties and conveyed their support for early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

Following the talks, four MOUs in the fields of agriculture, science & technology and culture, and on renewal of a Hindi Chair were signed. A Joint Statement was issued on the occasion.

Prime Minister Plenkovic hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Plenkovic to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

On the meeting with the President of Croatia, the MEA spokesperson said in a post on X:

“India-Croatia| Laying the foundation for a renewed partnership.

“PM @narendramodi held fruitful talks with President Mr. Zoran Milanović in Zagreb, Croatia.

“The leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthening India-Croatia ties across trade, technology & cultural cooperation and expressed their shared commitment to democratic values & global peace.”

UNI RN