Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Juraj Blanar, successfully concluded a significant four-day official visit to India from 17 March to 20 March 2025, with engagements in New Delhi and Kolkata. Accompanied by a high-level delegation – including the Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament, and the State Secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – this visit underscored Slovakia’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation with India. A large business delegation also joined, marking the largest Slovak business presence in India to date.
The visit commenced with the CII India – Europe Business Exchange Programme, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in India Habitat Centre, where Minister J. Blanar opened the inaugural session alongside with Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada and representatives from Latvia, Luxembourg, and Poland. A special session dedicated to Slovakia showcased the investment opportunities, with presentations by the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) and Slovak Eximbanka. SARIO also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CII to bolster future collaboration. The event facilitated numerous business meetings among Indian, Slovak, and European companies.
On the second day, Minister J. Blanar spoke at the prominent Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, participating in a panel titled “Thrones and Thorns: Defending the Integrity of Nations,” alongside with Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and other international figures. He stressed the importance of upholding international law, sovereignty, and the UN Charter. Slovak delegation also met representatives of the Amara Raja Energy & Mobility (ARE&M), India’s important investor in Slovakia, highlighting growing industrial cooperation.
Later that day, the Slovak Embassy, in collaboration with FICCI, hosted the second Slovak Technology and Innovation Day (STID) 2025. Slovak businesses participated in a workshop named How to do business with India, followed by over 300 B2B meetings involving nearly 150 companies. Three MoUs were signed between Slovak and Indian companies, in addition to an MoU between SARIO and FICCI. The event was successfully concluded by reception at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic with talented Slovak violinist Martina Vybohova, performing Slovak folklore, current pop songs and Indian compositions.
On the third day, the Minister and his delegation paid tribute at Raj Ghat, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi. Later, in bilateral discussions with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, both sides reaffirmed their dedication to intensifying political and economic dialogue, especially increasing trade and investments. Minister J. Blanar noted a strategic shift with more Slovak companies investing now in India, citing two major projects: Tatravagonka Poprad’s railway wheelset joint venture with Jupiter Wagons in Odisha, and ENVIEN’s biofuel plant with Zuari in Uttar Pradesh.
The final day took the Slovak delegation to Kolkata, where they participated in the ceremonial reopening of the Honorary Consulate of the Slovak Republic. Mr. Vivek Lohia, Executive Director of Jupiter Wagons Limited, was appointed as the new Honorary Consul. The visit concluded with the Indo-Slovak Business Forum attended by over 100 local companies, where Minister J. Blanar and West Bengal’s Minister for Industries, Commerce and Entreprises Shashi Panja opened discussions on furthering economic ties.
Overall, the visit marked a milestone in Indo-Slovak relations, producing tangible outcomes in trade, investment, technology, and diplomacy. It highlighted the growing synergy between the two nations and set the stage for future cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and common prosperity.