‘Terrorism Is Enemy Of Humanity’: PM Modi, Croatian PM Send Strong Message After Talks To Deepen Ties
During the first-ever Indian PM visit to Croatia, Modi and Plenković pledged to triple bilateral relations, focusing on defence, trade (pharmaceuticals, IT, agriculture), and cultural exchange.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Croatia — the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister — underscored the shared democratic values and mutual aspirations for stronger bilateral ties between India and Croatia. Both leaders, in a joint address, emphasised the urgent need for global unity against terrorism, while outlining plans to boost defence, trade, and cultural collaboration.
‘India and Croatia Share Democratic Values’: PM Modi
Welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm in Zagreb, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to his counterpart Andrej Plenković and the Croatian government. Highlighting the common ground between the two countries, he said, “India and Croatia are connected by shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, equality, and more.” He noted the symbolic coincidence of both leaders being re-elected for a third consecutive term last year.
Announcing an ambitious roadmap for bilateral cooperation, Modi said, “We have decided to speed up our bilateral relations 3 times in our third term.” A Defence Cooperation Plan is on the cards to facilitate long-term collaboration in areas such as training, military exchange, and defence industry development. Key sectors identified for trade growth include pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, clean and digital technologies, and renewable energy.
"Croatian companies will be able to take advantage of India's IT manpower. We discussed ways to promote tourism between the two countries. I have clearly experienced the popularity of Yoga here. 21st June is International Yoga Day, and I am sure that the people of Croatia will celebrate it with great enthusiasm," PM Modi said.
Defence Ties and Strategic EU Partnership on Agenda
Addressing the issue of terrorism, PM Modi made a strong statement: “We agree that terrorism is the enemy of humanity and is inimical to forces that believe in democracy. We agree, in Europe or Asia, solutions can't be found from battlefields; dialogue and diplomacy are the only way. For any country, respecting territorial integrity, sovereignty is essential.”
He thanked Croatia for its condolences following the terrorist attack in India on April 22 and highlighted the significance of support from friendly nations during such challenging times.
#WATCH | Zagreb, Croatia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "We agree that terrorism is the enemy of humanity and is against the forces that believe in democracy. We are deeply grateful to the Prime Minister and the Croatian Government for their condolences on the terrorist… pic.twitter.com/VU0hosTxIE
— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2025
On India’s partnership with Europe, he added, “We both agree that India-Europe partnership holds great importance in today’s global environment. Croatia’s support and cooperation are very important in strengthening our strategic partnership with the EU.”
Prime Minister Modi also pointed out potential opportunities for Croatian participation in India’s Sagarmala Project, specifically in port modernisation, coastal development, and multi-modal connectivity. He announced that India would share its space expertise with Croatia and stressed the importance of academic and research collaborations.
Cultural Exchange, Indology, and Free Trade Push
The cultural dimension of the relationship also received a boost, with the Hindi Chair at Zagreb University being extended until 2030 and a new five-year cultural exchange programme prepared. A mobility agreement is also being finalised to ease movement of people between the two countries.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković echoed these sentiments, stating, “Today’s meeting is an opportunity to show the importance and strength of relations between the two countries.” He confirmed the signing of memoranda in agriculture, culture, science, and between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University of Zagreb for Indology studies.
Plenković expressed support for the ongoing negotiations for an India-EU free trade agreement, saying, “We believe negotiations about the free trade agreement will finalise as soon as possible… that will facilitate easier trade between Croatia and India.”
He also highlighted the potential of Prime Minister Modi’s India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor initiative, viewing it as “an excellent opportunity” to connect Croatia — as a Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe — with India’s vast market.
Reiterating the threat posed by global instability, Plenković said, “We have understood very well the Indian Prime Minister’s message on fighting against terrorism because that is the biggest threat to global stability.” He reaffirmed Croatia’s commitment to working with India in areas including the defence sector, nuclear energy, shipbuilding, and IT.
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