A New Chapter Opens in India Croatia Relations

On June 18, 2025, in the elegant surroundings of Banski Dvori Palace in Zagreb, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Croatia’s Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Andrej Plenković came together for a landmark meeting—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in Croatia’s history. This visit not only reflects a deepening of bilateral ties but also signals a broader strategic push to strengthen India’s partnership with the European Union amid shifting global dynamics.

The arrival of Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day was greeted with warmth and ceremonial protocol: Plenković personally received him at Zagreb airport before escorting him to the 17th‑century palace, where military honours and the Croatian national anthem marked the start of the official programme. Alongside the Prime Ministers were key delegations: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; from Croatia’s side were senior officials and advisers, underlining the event’s significance.

The day’s delegation-level talks unfolded in a spirit of diplomatic cordiality and mutual purpose. A wide-ranging agenda included trade, investment, science and technology, defence and security, space, culture, and vibrant people-to-people connections. Both leaders emphasized that global challenges, whether in Europe or Asia - “cannot be solved on the battlefield,” advocating for the primacy of diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty.

Key areas of cooperation emerged in multiple sectors. Both nations agreed to intensify collaboration in infrastructure, ports, shipping, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism and hospitality. Shields of innovation—start-ups, defence manufacturing, and cybersecurity, surfaced as new frontiers for joint ventures and knowledge-sharing. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor’s (IMEC) potential, calling on Croatia to act as India’s gateway to Central and Southeastern Europe.

A notable initiative was Modi’s suggestion to establish an institutional framework for mobility and skill exchange, leveraging India’s human capital alongside Croatia’s strategic European location. Their shared vision has set the groundwork for a comprehensive agreement-making process designed to boost joint ventures across industries.

Amid talks, four MoUs were signed, covering agriculture, culture, science & technology, and the renewal of a Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb. These agreements strengthen both practical collaboration and the cultural-linguistic bonds that link the nations.

Later that evening, Croatia’s Prime Minister hosted a gala dinner at Banski Dvori in honour of Shri Modi, adding a personal and celebratory dimension to international diplomacy. Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Plenković to visit India at a mutually suitable time, underscoring reciprocity and friendship.

From a global perspective, the two Prime Ministers exchanged views on India‑EU strategic cooperation and expressed unified support for the early finalization of a robust India‑EU Free Trade Agreement. They also reiterated backing for UN reform, climate action, and multilateralism, a sign of deepening strategic alignment.

This gathering in Zagreb is more than a bilateral milestone; it’s been viewed as a turning point in India’s outreach within the EU. By choosing Croatia, a member of Central and Southeastern Europe, as a gateway partner, India broadens its diplomatic and economic ties beyond the traditional Western Europe axis. Both Prime Ministers underscored that a vibrant India‑EU partnership enriches India‑Croatia ties, and vice versa. As noted at the India‑Cyprus business roundtable earlier this month, the EU’s imminent Free Trade Agreement with India is expected to boost collaboration—and Croatia’s role is key in that transformation.

The tangible outcomes of the meeting include:

• Four new MoUs strengthening cooperation in agriculture, culture, science & technology, and Hindi language studies.

• A strategic plan to explore joint ventures in cutting-edge sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, renewable energy, defence, and pharma.

• Croatia’s positioning as India’s logistic and diplomatic gateway to Central and Southeast Europe via IMEC.

• A mutual pledge to swiftly conclude the India‑EU Free Trade Agreement, reinforcing shared economic interests within the EU framework.

  
  

In a culminating gesture, Prime Minister Modi conveyed warm wishes to Croatia’s yoga community ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, reflecting cultural outreach and soft‑power engagement.

The meeting at Zagreb stands as a chapter‑opening moment in India‑Croatia relations: diplomacy turned strategic partnership; shared values fostered into actionable agreements; and cultural links infused with forward‑looking alliances. As the meeting conclude, the visit reinforces India’s broader vision of deepening ties across the EU, starting with trusted partners like Croatia and expanding into the heart of Central and Southeastern Europe.