Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, June 15, 2026, announced that India and Slovakia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on digital technology, describing technology as a 'key pillar' of the bilateral partnership and signalling plans for deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence and space.

Context

Posting on X, PM Modi stated: '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.' The post, accompanied by two images, was made in the context of a bilateral engagement with Slovakia, a Central European member of the European Union.

India and Slovakia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1993. While trade and innovation have been recurring themes in the relationship, a dedicated digital technology agreement marks a significant step forward in formalising the partnership's technological dimension.

Policy Backdrop

India launched the Digital India programme in 2015 to build robust digital infrastructure and has since used technology cooperation agreements as a key instrument of foreign policy. The country has signed similar MoUs with multiple nations, positioning itself as a partner of choice in digital governance, fintech, and emerging technologies.

The India-Slovakia MoU fits squarely into India's broader EU-wide engagement strategy, through which New Delhi has steadily expanded bilateral technology partnerships with European capitals. Alignment on standards in AI and space is increasingly central to these arrangements, reflecting shared interests in responsible technology development.

Stakeholders and Impact

The agreement is expected to create new avenues for Indian and Slovak technology companies, start-ups, and research institutions. Sectors likely to benefit include software services, digital public infrastructure, AI research, and satellite technology.

Space research bodies on both sides stand to gain from structured collaboration frameworks, while the AI component could facilitate joint research, data-sharing protocols, and capacity-building initiatives. The MoU also carries significance for Indian tech firms seeking a foothold in the European Union single market through a bilateral gateway.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to the implementation roadmap for the digital technology MoU, including any joint working groups, funding commitments, or project timelines announced in subsequent official statements from both governments.

Specific outcomes in AI and space — such as joint missions, co-developed standards, or shared research platforms — will be the clearest indicators of how quickly the partnership translates from declaration to action. Both sides are expected to follow up through their respective ministries of technology and external affairs.