Croatia and India sign several agreements during first visit

(Photo: Vlada.hr)

Zagreb, 21 June 2025 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Croatia this week for an official visit, marking the first time a head of government from India has visited the country.

“We are laying the foundation for stronger cooperation across multiple areas,” Prime Minister Plenković said, who welcomed the Indian PM at Zagreb Airport.

During the visit, the Indian Embassy in Zagreb organised a reception attended by representatives of the Indian community and Croatians with ties to India. 

India is among Croatia’s most significant Asian trading partners. Last year, bilateral trade reached 242 million US dollars, and the first quarter of 2025 saw a further 10 percent growth. The number of Indian tourists visiting Croatia is also on the rise.

(Photo: Vlada.hr)

In meetings at Banski dvori, the two leaders signed several agreements covering cooperation in agriculture, culture, science and technology, and higher education.

“We aim to strengthen collaboration in ICT, pharmaceuticals, and maritime transport as well,” Plenković said, adding that Croatia offers unique opportunities as a Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe.

As a gesture of cultural diplomacy, Prime Minister Plenković presented Prime Minister Modi with a facsimile of the first printed Sanskrit grammar, written in Latin in 1790 by Croatian missionary Filip Vezdin.

The grammar is considered a pioneering work in the field of Indology.

“Filip Vezdin was one of the first European scholars to seriously engage with Indian languages and culture. His work symbolises the early cultural connections between Croatia and India,” said Plenković.

(Photo: Vlada.hr)

In addition, the Croatian Prime Minister gifted Modi a copy of Croatia & India, Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business, a book by Croatian diplomat Dr Siniša Grgić, offering an in-depth comparison and overview of relations between the two countries.

The two leaders also discussed global challenges, including the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. They condemned recent terrorist attacks and expressed shared commitment to combating terrorism. Further cooperation in the fields of defence and economic development was agreed upon.

“We discussed the initiative to establish an economic corridor linking India, the Middle East, and Europe – a remarkable opportunity,” Plenković noted.

Modi’s European tour included stops in Cyprus and Canada, with Croatia as the final leg. His visit included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the Homeland and a walk through Zagreb’s historic Upper Town, where he was briefed on Croatian history and heritage.

(Photo: Vlada.hr)

“This visit is a strong signal of continuity in high-level relations. It elevates Croatia’s profile in India and presents new economic and diplomatic opportunities,” Plenković concluded.

The visit ended with an official dinner hosted by the Croatian Prime Minister, attended by public figures from the business, cultural, scientific, and sports sectors linked to India and Croatia.

With Croatia currently presiding over the Three Seas Initiative, which connects the Adriatic, Baltic and Black Seas, the visit is seen as a timely opportunity to further connect with India’s dynamic economy.

Croatia also expressed strong support for India’s efforts to conclude a free trade agreement with the European Union.