On June 18, 2025, history was made as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped onto Croatian soil — the first Indian leader ever to visit the Balkan nation. Greeted warmly at Zagreb’s airport by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković himself, Modi’s arrival marked more than just a diplomatic milestone — it signalled a fresh chapter in India’s evolving relationship with Europe.
A Milestone Moment
This groundbreaking visit wasn’t just symbolic. It carried with it a clear message: India is looking beyond its traditional partners and building bridges across new regions. Croatia, a key EU and NATO member nestled on the Adriatic Sea, was ready to meet India halfway. Prime Minister Plenković’s personal welcome set the tone for a warm and strategic engagement between two nations that may be geographically distant but are growing ever closer in intent.
Modi’s stop in Croatia was part of a broader international tour, which included Cyprus and Canada — all part of India’s drive to strengthen global ties in an increasingly interconnected world.
Shared Goals, Signed Agreements
The two leaders wasted no time getting down to business. In a series of high-level talks, India and Croatia identified key areas for collaboration and signed several important agreements across sectors that are vital to both nations’ futures.
- Defence & Strategy: Both sides agreed to step up cooperation in co-developing cutting-edge defence technology — including drones and electronic warfare systems — and deepen military exchanges.
- Trade & Infrastructure: With bilateral trade reaching nearly $338 million in 2023, there’s room for much more. Indian companies are being encouraged to explore Croatian sectors like shipbuilding, ports, and renewables, while Croatia looks to India for pharmaceuticals, IT, and clean-tech innovations.
- Technology & Space: India invited Croatian firms to join its ambitious Semiconductor Mission. There’s also talk of partnerships between India’s space agency ISRO and Croatian academic institutions.
- Agriculture & Culture: Plans were laid out to boost agricultural cooperation and cultural exchange. One notable initiative? A proposed “Festival of India” in major Croatian cities. In a nod to deep cultural ties, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) signed an agreement with the University of Zagreb to promote Indology studies.
Croatia: A Strategic European Gateway
Croatia’s location gives it a special place in India’s foreign policy vision. With ports like Rijeka and Split, Croatia could play a key role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) — an ambitious trade route launched in 2023 to link Asia with Europe. Plenković emphasized this during a state dinner, highlighting Croatia’s unique position in connecting the IMEC with the Three Seas Initiative, a regional project linking the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas. “Croatia is the most natural entry point to Central Europe on the Mediterranean,” Plenković said, noting the enormous potential for trade, science, defence, and education between the two economic corridors.
Looking to the Future
At a joint press conference, Modi highlighted sectors ripe for deeper cooperation — from shipbuilding and agriculture to semiconductors and cyber security. He also praised the growing Indian community in Croatia, including professionals and workers contributing to Croatian society. The visit made clear that both nations are ready to put in the hard work needed to turn promises into action. It’s not just about signing deals; it’s about sustained collaboration, long-term investment, and meaningful cultural exchange. As India looks to diversify its global partnerships and Croatia asserts its role in connecting regions, this visit wasn’t just historic — it may well prove transformational.
