PM Modi concludes visit to Croatia after meeting top leadership

PM Modi Concludes Historic Visit to Croatia; Strengthens Bilateral and Strategic Ties

Key Highlights (UPSC-style Notes):

1. Historic Visit:
   • First-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia.
   • Last leg of three-nation tour including Cyprus and Canada (G7 Summit).
2. Bilateral Diplomacy:
   • Met Croatian PM Andrej Plenković and President Zoran Milanovic.
   • Focus on boosting political, economic, and defence cooperation.
   • Four MoUs signed in agriculture, culture, science, and Indology (ICCR–University of Zagreb).
   • Defence cooperation plan formulated to strengthen long-term ties.
3. Strategic & Geopolitical Significance:
   • Croatia is a gateway to Europe, strategically located on the Adriatic Sea.
   • Indian engagement with Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) to counterbalance Chinese BRI influence.
   • Potential hub for India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and Three Seas Initiative (3SI).
4. Cultural & Civilisational Links:
   • Indian cultural influence dating back centuries; Croatian scholars contributed to Sanskrit studies.
   • Presentation of Filip Vezdin’s Sanskrit Grammar reprint to PM Modi.
   • Historical cooperation in Goa (Church of Sao Braz, 1563).
5. Economic & Trade Cooperation:
   • Bilateral trade: ~USD 300 million (2024); Indian investments: ~USD 48 million.
   • Focus on science & technology, agriculture, education, cultural exchange, workforce mobility.
6. Diaspora & People-to-People Ties:
   • Indian community in Croatia: ~17,000 (2024), largely mobile workforce.
   • Active engagement with local Croatian population and Indian diaspora during visit.
7. Global & Multilateral Diplomacy:
   • Support from Croatia on India’s stand against terrorism and India’s UNSC permanent membership bid.
   • Cooperation explored under India-EU Free Trade Agreement and connectivity corridors linking Europe, Middle East, and India.
8. Significance for UPSC Aspirants:
   • Illustrates India’s expanding strategic partnerships in Europe.
   • Highlights India’s cultural diplomacy and diaspora engagement.
   • Relevant for international relations, bilateral & multilateral diplomacy, defence & trade strategy.
     
     Updated -June 19, 2025 06:27 am  | The Hindu , News On Air , Indian Express & DD News