Updated: June 18, 2025 | By [Subham Malakar]
5 Key Takeaways
- Historic First Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Zagreb today, becoming the first sitting Indian Prime Minister to visit Croatia. pmindia.gov.in - High-Level Agenda
Modi will hold bilateral talks with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and meet President Zoran Milanović, focusing on trade, technology, and cultural exchange. pmindia.gov.in - Trade Growth
Bilateral trade has grown steadily—India exported $26.4 million to Croatia in February 2025, a 10.2 percent year‑on‑year increase. oec.world - Strategic Connectivity
Discussions will explore Croatia’s role in the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), leveraging Adriatic ports for enhanced supply‑chain links. newsonair.gov.in - People‑to‑People Ties
Cultural initiatives—including student exchanges and tourism MOUs—will be signed, building on the 11th Foreign Office Consultations held in April 2024. indianembassyzagreb.gov.in
What Happens Next?
- Bilateral Agreements: Look for MoUs on IT collaboration, defense cooperation, and renewable energy projects.
- Joint Economic Commission: The 12th session is expected to meet in New Delhi later this year to review progress.
- EU Engagement: Modi will address the Croatian Parliament, highlighting India’s shared democratic values with the European Union.
Expert Analysis
“This visit is a strategic pivot for India in Central Europe,” says Dr. Ved Prakash, Professor of International Relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “Croatia’s Adriatic ports and EU membership make it an ideal partner for diversifying India’s trade routes.”
Dr. Prakash’s profile indianembassyzagreb.gov.in
Fact‑Check
- Trade Figures Verified
The Observatory of Economic Complexity confirms India–Croatia exports at $26.4 million in February 2025, up 10.2% from February 2024. oec.world - First PM Visit
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release states this is indeed the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia. pmindia.gov.in
Daily Digest
- June 18, 2025, 08:00 CET: Arrival in Zagreb Airport
- June 18, 2025, 10:00 CET: Bilateral meeting with PM Plenković
- June 18, 2025, 14:00 CET: Address to Croatian Parliament
- June 18, 2025, 17:00 CET: Cultural event at the Indian Embassy
