What Did PM Modi Discuss with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic in Zagreb?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened bilateral relations between India and Croatia.
- Focus on enhancing trade and cultural exchanges.
- Increased cooperation in defense, start-ups, and sports.
- Commitment to shared values of democracy and peace.
- Historical visit marking a new chapter in ties.
Zagreb, June 19 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic in Zagreb on Wednesday, engaging in comprehensive discussions aimed at strengthening the friendly relations between India and Croatia. The discussions focused primarily on avenues for enhancing trade and cultural exchanges, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
In a post shared on social media platform X, PM Modi remarked, "I met Zoran Milanovic, the President of Croatia. We had extensive discussions on the broad spectrum of India-Croatia friendship, particularly in enhancing commercial and cultural linkages."
The Prime Minister's Office also noted, "PM @narendramodi engaged in discussions with President Zoran Milanovic in Zagreb. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-Croatia relations across various sectors, including trade and culture."
The two leaders explored numerous facets of their bilateral relations, as highlighted in the MEA statement.
They reiterated their dedication to fostering close and amicable ties between the two nations, grounded in shared principles of democracy, rule of law, and a mutual aspiration for international peace and stability.
Both leaders expressed contentment regarding the expansion of bilateral cooperation into new domains such as defence, start-ups, sports, and innovation, as noted in the statement.
PM Modi extended his gratitude to President Milanovic for Croatia's unwavering support and solidarity towards India in its campaign against terrorism.
The leaders also delved into the deep-seated cultural connections that have historically tied the two nations together.
They discussed regional and global matters of shared interest.
Both noted the recent strengthening of the India-EU strategic partnership, which is expected to enhance India-Croatia relations significantly.
The two leaders agreed on the importance of collaborating to unlock the full potential of the India-Croatia partnership, as stated by the MEA.
Earlier on the same day, PM Modi met with his Croatian counterpart, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, in Zagreb, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, a pivotal moment in the historical ties between the two nations, according to the MEA.
Upon his arrival at the historic Banski Dvori Palace, PM Modi was welcomed by PM Plenkovic and honored with a ceremonial reception, as per the MEA statement.
Earlier, in a heartfelt gesture, PM Modi was greeted by PM Plenkovic upon landing at the airport in Zagreb, the Ministry noted.
Both leaders also held high-level delegation talks, engaging in extensive discussions about various dimensions of their bilateral partnership, encompassing trade, investment, science and technology, defence, security, space, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people ties, as stated in the report.