India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on June 18 in Zagreb, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian premier to the Southeast European country - a symbolic step in strengthening bilateral ties.

According to a press release by India’s Press Information Bureau, the Indian leader was welcomed with a ceremonial reception at the Banski Dvori palace, following a personal reception by Prime Minister Plenković at the airport earlier in the day. During delegation-level discussions, both leaders explored collaboration across a wide spectrum - spanning trade, defence, technology, space, and cultural engagement.

India and Croatia identified fresh opportunities in sectors including digitalisation, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, shipping and tourism. They highlighted shared enthusiasm for Indian culture, yoga and Indology as a key bridge linking their citizens. Prime Minister Modi encouraged deeper institutional cooperation on talent mobility, proposing that Croatia could benefit from India’s skilled workforce.

He also endorsed enhancing connectivity via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, positioning Croatia as a strategic entry point to Central and Southeastern Europe. Business-to-business ties and joint ventures were identified as tools to drive sustainable growth. Recent start-up and innovation linkages were seen as positive steps toward this goal. On the global front, discussions included United Nations reforms, climate action and counter-terrorism.

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Croatia’s support on anti-terror efforts and reaffirmed mutual interest in concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement swiftly. Four memoranda of understanding were signed in agriculture, science, culture, and language. Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Plenković to visit India at a later date.