Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday, 15 June elevated bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership in Bratislava, signing agreements on digital technology, post-quantum cryptography, and defence cooperation. Technology, both leaders affirmed, stands as a key pillar of the newly deepened India-Slovakia relationship.

Digital and Cyber Cooperation

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation for the protection of critical information infrastructure and to prevent and counter cybercrime, while promoting an open, secure, stable, and resilient digital space. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed covering critical infrastructure protection and post-quantum cryptography, addressing the emerging threat that quantum computing poses to conventional encryption systems.

Both governments also committed to supporting each other in preparing for post-quantum security transitions — a forward-looking step that places India-Slovakia cooperation at the frontier of global cybersecurity preparedness. Modi specifically flagged collaboration in artificial intelligence and space as priority areas under the new digital MoU.

What PM Modi Said

'We view technology as a key pillar of the India-Slovakia partnership. The MoU on digital technology will open many new areas of cooperation. We will also work closely in AI and space,' Modi posted on X following the bilateral meeting.

He described the summit as 'a very special moment for the India-Slovakia friendship,' adding that talks covered cooperation in automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing, and green technology. Modi also noted that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), currently under negotiation, would add further momentum to bilateral ties.

Defence and Security Commitments

Both leaders underscored defence and security cooperation as another key pillar of the partnership. A Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation was signed, opening pathways for collaboration in defence technologies, capacity building, research and development, and defence industrial cooperation. Regular consultations between respective defence authorities were also agreed upon.

On counterterrorism, Modi and Fico condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, and agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. The Joint Statement called for strong action against entities designated by the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee and their affiliates, proxies, sponsors, and financiers.

Broader Multilateral Alignment

Both leaders reaffirmed commitment to the early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) within the United Nations framework, holding perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors of terrorist acts accountable. They also agreed to enhance collaboration in disaster risk reduction, resilient infrastructure, and institutional cooperation.

This visit marks a significant step in India's diplomatic outreach to Central Europe, with the Comprehensive Partnership framework now providing a structured basis for engagement across technology, trade, defence, and multilateral affairs. The next phase will test whether the signed agreements translate into tangible industrial and security outcomes.