Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday, 15 June offered a sweeping endorsement of India's technological and economic trajectory, declaring that India has outpaced several advanced Western nations in digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence. Fico made the remarks at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bratislava, following a bilateral meeting between the two leaders.

Fico's Praise for India's Digital and Economic Rise

Speaking alongside Modi, Fico said India has progressed so rapidly in the field of digitalisation and AI deployment that it now moves faster than countries such as France and Germany. 'You are ahead of many advanced countries in different parts of the world,' he said, extending his congratulations to Modi for what he described as 'amazing' economic growth. Fico also noted India's status as the fifth-largest economy in the world and acknowledged its stated ambition to become the third-largest economy globally.

The Slovak leader drew a pointed contrast with the European Union, lamenting that the bloc struggles with competitiveness pressures and is constrained by 'two ambitious climate goals' — even as India sustains growth rates of 6–7 per cent. 'What would the European Union do if it could achieve 6–7 per cent growth?' Fico asked, underscoring the widening gap in economic momentum between emerging economies and developed blocs.

Support for India's Permanent UNSC Seat

Fico used the occasion to formally declare Slovakia's support for India's bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He called for a broader reform of the United Nations, stressing that adherence to international law is the only sustainable path to resolving global conflicts. 'Countries like India have to be — I will repeat this — they have to be part of the Security Council of the United Nations as permanent member,' he said. The declaration adds to a growing chorus of nations backing India's long-standing UNSC reform push.

India–EU Free Trade Agreement Welcomed

Fico also welcomed the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union, describing it as 'one of the most ambitious free trade agreements which have ever been signed.' He pledged that Slovakia would take all necessary practical steps to ensure the agreement is implemented 'as fast as possible.' The India–EU FTA has been years in the making, and its conclusion marks a significant shift in trade relations between the two blocs.

Personal Tribute to Modi's Political Longevity

On a personal note, Fico congratulated Modi for becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of India, calling the feat a 'political miracle' given the diversity and complexity of India's multi-party democratic landscape. He also highlighted the shared values of sovereignty, multilateralism, and respect for international law as foundations for the bilateral relationship between Slovakia and India.

The Bratislava meeting signals a deepening of India–Slovakia ties at a moment when India's global diplomatic footprint is expanding rapidly, with European partners increasingly seeking closer engagement with New Delhi.