President Murmu’s visit to Slovakia in April 2025 was the first presidential visit from India in nearly three decades . During the visit, she emphasized India’s economic progress and invited Slovakian businesses to participate in the ‘Make in India’ program .
- Economic Discussions: At the Slovakia-India Business Forum in Bratislava, President Murmu highlighted India’s position as a shining example of progress in a world of uncertainties . She noted Slovakia’s potential to benefit from India’s large consumer market and skilled workforce .
- Agreements and MoUs: Two MoUs were signed between India and Slovakia, focusing on cooperation in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the training of diplomats .
- Defense Cooperation: Discussions are underway to update the Slovakia-India defense MoU, with Slovakia offering specialized training programs, such as pilot training with advanced simulators .
- Support for UNSC Membership: Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini announced Slovakia’s full support for India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) .
- Cultural Connections: There are deep connections between the two countries, especially in Sanskrit studies. Mahatma Gandhi’s works have been translated into Slovak, and Slovakia provided support during the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine in 2022 .
- Jaguar Land Rover Visit: President Murmu and President Pellegrini visited the Tata Motors Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) facility in Nitra, showcasing the industrial ties between the two nations .
- Bilateral Trade: In 2024, bilateral trade reached approximately 1.28 billion euros, with the trade balance favoring India .
Economic ties:
India and Slovakia have maintained steady economic ties . In 2023, India’s exports to Slovakia reached US$184.5 million .
Key aspects of India-Slovakia relations:
- Economic Relations: In 2023, India’s exports to Slovakia experienced growth, reaching €181.0 million, which is an 11.8% increase .
- Main Export Items:
- Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers ($42.78 million)
- Vehicles other than railway, tramway ($29.17 million)
- Rubbers ($15.71 million)
- Organic chemicals ($13.23 million)
- Furniture, lighting signs, prefabricated buildings ($13.09 million)
- Electrical, electronic equipment ($9.86 million)
- Articles of apparel, knit or crocheted ($9.81 million)
- Footwear, gaiters and the like ($9.81 million)
- Slovakia’s Economy: Slovakia is transitioning to a market-based economy and has opened its economy to foreign investment .
- Slovakia’s Economic Outlook: Economic growth is expected to ease to 1.9% in 2025 before rising to 2.1% in 2026 . The GDP in Slovakia is forecast to be €139.20 billion in 2025 .
- Economic Freedom: Slovakia’s economic freedom score is 68.4, making it the 42nd freest economy in the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom .
