India and Croatia Continue Engagement on Agricultural Cooperation through Recent High-Level Meeting

Indian Ambassador to Croatia, Mr. Arun Kumar Goel, met with Deputy PM & Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Croatia, Mr. David Vlajčić, in Zagreb in July 2025 to discuss implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation signed in June. The meeting centered on identifying priority areas and mechanisms for collaboration in agriculture and allied sectors. According to the Indian Embassy, discussions encompassed “further strengthening the recently signed MoU on cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors,” with emphasis on “enhancing trade opportunities in the sector and exploring avenues in forestry collaboration.” This engagement demonstrates both nations’ intent to translate the MoU’s framework into practical, institution-led action.

Ambassador Goel highlighted India’s strengths in agricultural extension services, digital farming, rural livelihoods, and agri-technology innovation. He emphasized the value of institutional partnerships through capacity-building workshops, research collaboration, and training exchanges. Deputy Prime Minister Vlajčić welcomed these proposals, affirming Croatia’s readiness to participate through policy dialogue and technical cooperation channels.

This meeting follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Croatia on June 18, 2025, during which the MoU on agriculture was formally signed alongside agreements on science and technology, cultural exchange, and the establishment of a Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb. The agricultural MoU, signed between India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Croatia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, outlines cooperation in areas such as sustainable farming, organic agriculture, food processing, water resource management, fisheries, and forestry. It facilitates expert exchanges, joint research, and capacity-building measures.

The follow-up meeting in Zagreb aimed to begin operationalising these commitments. The Indian Embassy’s official video of the event verifies the emphasis placed on trade facilitation and forestry collaboration under the MoU’s umbrella. This approach aligns with India and Croatia’s broader developmental objectives, including climate resilience, enhanced food systems, and rural employment pathways.

India brings to the table a well-developed network of agricultural research institutions, digital farm platforms, and rural extension models. Croatia, as an EU member, offers expertise in food safety, traceability, sustainable forestry, and regulatory standards. By aligning these capabilities, the two countries aim to support institutional exchange and mutual learning within the MoU framework.

This cooperation also fits into global priorities such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Through joint activities, both nations intend to address food security, improve resource management, and strengthen agri-environmental practices.

The agricultural MoU is part of a broader agenda from PM Modi’s Croatia visit, which included dialogues on science and technology research collaboration, cultural exchanges through a Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb, and enhancing academic linkages. While outcomes in these areas are progressing, the focus now shifts to delivering results on the ground in ag

riculture and allied sectors.

No binding financial commitments were included in the MoU; instead, the emphasis is on institutional cooperation, mutual research, and technical dialogue. The implementation process will proceed through designated focal points within each ministry.

The meeting led by Ambassador Goel and  Mr. David Vlajčić marks a deliberate step in translating diplomatic intent into actionable cooperation. Both sides expressed readiness to continue engagement through policy channels and sectoral institutions. Future meetings and joint activities are expected to build on this foundation, though no timelines or specific projects have yet been announced.

In summary, the recent diplomatic interaction in Zagreb reiterates India and Croatia’s shared intention to advance collaboration in agriculture and related sectors under the MoU signed in June 2025. It marks the start of a structured, technical-level engagement aimed at capacity building, trade enhancement, and sustainable sectoral development within the bilateral framework.