Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Bratislava on Sunday during his historic visit to Slovakia, the first by an Indian Prime Minister since the country’s independence in 1993.
Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanar. In keeping with Slovak tradition, he was accorded the customary bread-and-salt welcome, a centuries-old symbol of hospitality, respect and goodwill.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a post on X, described the visit as a historic milestone in India-Slovakia relations and said it is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties while opening new avenues of cooperation between the two countries.
At a hotel in Bratislava, the renowned Lucnica Ensemble performed the national song Vande Mataram in honour of the Prime Minister. The group had also rendered the Indian national anthem during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Slovakia in 2025.
Speaking about the performance, a member of the ensemble said it was a memorable experience to perform before an Indian Prime Minister and described PM Modi as polite and appreciative. Another member, Eva, said she admired the kindness of Indian people and appreciated the opportunity to participate in the event.
Prime Minister Modi also witnessed a spiritual musical performance by the Slovak group Mahadeva Kirtan Projekt. Marek Zilinec, founder of the ensemble, expressed gratitude to the Embassy of India in Bratislava for providing the opportunity to perform before the Prime Minister.
Adding to the cultural welcome, the Prime Minister watched a traditional Slovak folk dance performance by Kopaniciarik, a children’s ensemble from the Myjava region.
The traditional bread-and-salt ceremony holds special significance in Slovak culture. While bread symbolises prosperity and sustenance, salt represents friendship, value and protection. The custom is often reserved for distinguished guests and reflects the country’s tradition of warmly welcoming visitors.
Members of the Indian diaspora gathered in large numbers to greet the Prime Minister in Bratislava. PM Modi interacted with members of the community and acknowledged their role in strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Slovakia.
One member of the Indian community described the interaction as a memorable experience and said the Prime Minister took time to meet and engage with those present.
Earlier, PM Modi posted on X that his visit to Slovakia would provide an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations and explore new areas of cooperation. He said he looked forward to productive discussions with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert 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 President Pellegrini. Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, innovation, automobile manufacturing, railway development and other strategic sectors.
-ANI
