Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed in Bratislava, Slovakia, on Sunday with a rendition of the national song 'Vande Mataram' by the renowned Lucnica Ensemble, alongside an enthusiastic reception from the Indian diaspora during his historic visit to the European nation.
Historic First Visit
This marks the first-ever trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country's independence in 1993, highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X, stating, 'PM @narendramodi has arrived in Slovakia. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia's independence, marking a historic milestone in India-Slovakia relations.'
Upon arrival at the hotel, PM Modi was received by Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar and given a traditional Slovak welcome of bread and salt, a symbol of hospitality, respect, and goodwill. The visit is set to further strengthen bilateral ties and open new avenues for partnership.
Cultural Welcomes
At a hotel in Bratislava, the Lucnica Ensemble performed 'Vande Mataram' in honor of the Prime Minister's visit. The group had previously performed the Indian national anthem during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Slovakia in 2025. A member of the ensemble shared, 'It was a wonderful experience. He was very polite and grateful to us. It was especially memorable because I had never performed before a Prime Minister before.' Another member, Eva, added, 'He was very polite. I like Indians as they are very kind.'
Prime Minister Modi also witnessed a spiritual performance by the Slovak musical group Mahadeva Kirtan Projekt. Drummer and percussionist Marek Zilinec, founder of the ensemble, expressed gratitude, saying, 'It was an honour, and we are thankful that we could play for him. I am thankful to the Embassy of India in Bratislava, Slovakia, for giving us this opportunity.'
Adding to the cultural welcome, the Prime Minister watched a traditional Slovak dance performance by Kopaniciarik, a renowned children's folk ensemble from the Myjava region.
Traditional Slovak Welcome
Upon arrival, PM Modi was accorded the traditional Slovak welcome of bread and salt, a centuries-old custom symbolizing hospitality, respect, and goodwill. In Slovak culture, bread represents prosperity and sustenance, while salt signifies friendship, value, and protection. This tradition is often reserved for honored guests and reflects the importance Slovaks place on welcoming visitors warmly.
Interaction with Indian Diaspora
Members of the Indian diaspora gathered in large numbers in Bratislava and greeted the Prime Minister with enthusiasm. PM Modi interacted with community members and acknowledged their contributions to strengthening ties between India and Slovakia. One diaspora member said, 'It is a matter of good fortune for me that I got the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister interacted with all of us.'
Official Engagements
Earlier, PM Modi posted on X, 'Reached Bratislava. This visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. Looking forward to productive meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico.' The Prime Minister is visiting Slovakia at the invitation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. During the visit, he is scheduled to hold talks with Fico and meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, automobile manufacturing, railway development, and other strategic sectors.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit will reaffirm India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Slovakia and build upon recent high-level exchanges between the two countries.
