Slovakia's Ambassador to India, Robert Maxian, has said that India's 'Make in India' initiative has fundamentally transformed the country's defence manufacturing landscape, enabling self-sufficiency in several critical areas and generating fresh avenues for international collaboration. His remarks came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Slovakia.

India's Defence Transformation

Ambassador Maxian pointed to the sweeping changes in India's defence industrial base over the past three decades. 'Over the last 30 years, the situation has evolved significantly. Through the Make in India initiative, India has indigenised much of its defence industry and achieved self-sufficiency in several areas,' he said.

He also noted that the expanding role of private sector companies in defence manufacturing has strengthened India's overall capabilities, creating new pathways for bilateral collaboration with countries like Slovakia.

Slovakia's Long-Standing Defence Partnership with India

Describing Slovakia as a dependable partner in defence technologies, Maxian highlighted that the two countries have maintained defence cooperation since the establishment of the Slovak Republic in 1993. Slovakia has supplied military hardware to India and continues to collaborate with Indian partners on projects involving flight mission simulators, recovery vehicles, chemical detectors, and other advanced defence technologies. The ambassador encouraged industries from both nations to actively explore new partnership opportunities.

Trade Agreement and Economic Cooperation

A proposed trade agreement between India and the European Union — of which Slovakia is a member — is expected to progressively reduce import duties, lower costs for consumers, and establish a free trade zone covering nearly two billion people. Maxian expressed hope that the agreement would enter into force by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

Energy, Nuclear, and Green Technology Ties

Beyond defence, Maxian pointed to a Memorandum of Understanding between the nuclear authorities of both countries as a foundation for deeper engagement in the energy sector. He also highlighted a successful biofuel project in Uttar Pradesh, where Slovak technology is being used to produce ethanol from agricultural waste — including rice and corn residue.

'The project demonstrates how Slovak and Indian companies can work together to develop sustainable energy solutions,' he said, adding that more such facilities could be established if regulatory conditions become more supportive. The cooperation spans cybersecurity and green technologies as well, reflecting the broad strategic ambition of the bilateral relationship.

What Comes Next

With Modi's visit on the horizon, both sides appear poised to formalise and deepen engagements across defence, energy, and trade. The ambassador's remarks signal that Slovakia views India not merely as a market, but as a long-term strategic partner in an evolving global security and industrial order.