PM Modi receives ceremonial welcome in Croatia on historic first visit, interacts with Indian diaspora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Zagreb on Tuesday, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia.

In a post on X shortly after landing, Prime Minister Modi noted the historic nature of the visit and expressed gratitude to his Croatian counterpart, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, for personally welcoming him at the airport.

“This is a special visit, the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister to a valued European partner. I am grateful to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport,” PM Modi wrote on X.

PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora upon his arrival at a hotel in Zagreb, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour. Kathak artistes performed before PM Modi with the rhythmic beats of India’s classical dance form.

The visit to Croatia follows earlier stops in Cyprus and Canada, where he took part in the G7 Summit.

PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Croatia. The visit is being hailed as a key milestone in India-Croatia relations, aimed at deepening bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation.

During his stay, PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and also meet President Zoran Milanović.

Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, culture, and other areas of mutual interest.

The visit also highlights India’s broader commitment to strengthening its partnerships across the European Union.

Earlier, PM Modi described his visit to Canada as “productive” and said the G7 Summit witnessed fruitful discussions on diverse global issues.

“Concluding a productive Canada visit. Thankful to the Canadian people and Government for hosting a successful G7 Summit, which witnessed fruitful discussions on diverse global issues. We remain committed to furthering global peace, prosperity and sustainability,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

PM Modi participated in the Outreach Session of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis and addressed a Session on ‘Energy Security: diversification, technology and infrastructure to ensure access and affordability in a changing world’.

In his address, he highlighted that energy security was among the leading challenges facing future generations. While elaborating on India’s commitment to inclusive growth, he noted that availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability were the principles that underpinned India’s approach to energy security.

Highlighting India’s commitment to a sustainable and green future, he underscored that India has undertaken several global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuels Alliance, Mission LiFE and One Sun- One World- One Grid, and called upon the international community to further strengthen them.

With inputs from agencies