India reinforced its diplomatic and cultural bonds with Slovakia as President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a transformative visit to the country, engaging in multifaceted discussions and collaborations that highlight shared ambitions for economic growth, cultural enrichment, and educational partnerships.
On the second day of her visit to Slovakia, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Slovakia-India Business Forum in Bratislava, emphasizing the strong historical connection and friendly relations between the two nations. Speaking to an audience comprising business leaders and stakeholders, she advocated for an enriched trade partnership, showcasing India’s remarkable strides in technology, sustainable development, and innovation. She highlighted India’s achievements across key sectors like renewable energy, information technology, pharmaceuticals, auto components, space exploration, and fintech, projecting the nation’s trajectory toward becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy. Asserting Slovakia’s potential as a strategic partner, she invited Slovak companies to embrace the ‘Make in India’ initiative, fostering collaborations that can leverage India’s skilled workforce and burgeoning consumer market.
The business forum was depicted as a unique platform to nurture synergies and catalyze mutually beneficial partnerships. President Murmu expressed confidence that deliberations at the event would foster enduring ties between the two nations.
Further underscoring her commitment to education and cultural integration, President Murmu visited Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, where she was honored with an Honoris Causa Doctorate degree. In her acceptance speech, she celebrated education as a catalyst for individual empowerment and national development, particularly emphasizing India’s focus on its youth, with half of its population under the age of 25. She eloquently juxtaposed India’s embrace of technology with its deep-rooted philosophical traditions, drawing parallels between the works of Saint Constantine Cyril and India’s classical philosophical heritage. Her reflections on India’s timeless wisdom, echoed in Slovakia, showcased the universality of intellectual and spiritual exploration that bridges cultures.
The visit also included a tour of the Jaguar Land Rover Factory in Bratislava, where President Murmu was accompanied by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. The engagement underscored India’s commitment to industrial collaboration, adding depth to the economic discussions initiated at the business forum.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu attended an exhibition of Slovak children’s paintings, organized by the Slovak-Indian Friendship Society in collaboration with the Indian Embassy. The initiative, titled ‘Beauty Hidden in Fairy Tales – India through the Eyes of Slovak Children,’ served as a creative conduit for cultural exchange. She also witnessed a unique puppet show on Ramayan conducted by Slovak puppeteer Lenka Mukova, from the Babadlo Puppet Theater, celebrating shared narratives of folklore and history.
Adding a layer of cultural diplomacy, the President joined a banquet hosted by President Peter Pellegrini at Bratislava Castle. The evening was adorned with performances by Slovak artists, including renditions of both national anthems, symbolizing the harmony and strong cultural bonds between the two countries. President Murmu extended her gratitude to the Slovak government and people for their warmth and hospitality, reaffirming India’s dedication to nurturing the friendship and collaborative spirit shared by the two nations.
President Murmu’s visit to Slovakia exemplified a confluence of modern economic discourse and profound cultural exchange, epitomizing India’s approach to global partnerships that are rooted in shared values and aspirations. The engagements across business, education, and cultural platforms reiterated the significance of collaborative endeavors, fortifying the ties between India and Slovakia while paving the way for a future enriched by mutual respect and shared growth.
