President Murmu backs stronger India-Slovakia trade ties

Bratislava

President Droupadi Murmu, speaking at the Slovakia-India Business Forum in Bratislava, reaffirmed India’s commitment to boosting trade with Slovakia. She called the forum a great space to build partnerships and urged businesses from both countries to act on the opportunities before them.

She highlighted India’s fast-growing economy and Slovakia’s strategic location in Europe, saying both nations can benefit from deeper trade. President Murmu noted Slovakia's growing ties to India, especially in the automotive sector, mentioning Jaguar Land Rover’s major factory in Nitra since 2018.

She praised Slovak interest in India’s skilled workforce and consumer market. In return, Indian companies are increasingly setting up operations in Slovakia. Trade between the countries reached 1.2 billion euros in 2024, though she said it could grow much more.

Later, President Murmu watched a puppet show on the Ramayana with Slovak schoolchildren and admired their artwork inspired by India. She thanked them and praised the cultural bonds between the countries.

She also met Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. Together, they discussed cooperation in MSMEs, diplomacy, entertainment, and film. Murmu invited Slovakia to join India’s WAVE Summit in May.

At a banquet held in her honour, Murmu thanked Slovakia for its warm hospitality and praised the country’s growing love for Indian traditions like yoga and Ayurveda.