PM Modi Makes Historic First Visit to Croatia, Paving Way for Stronger Bilateral Ties

Zagreb : Prime Minister Narendra Modi scripted history on Wednesday by arriving in Zagreb on the first-ever official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, marking a significant milestone in the India-Croatia bilateral relationship. His visit is the final leg of a three-nation tour that also included Cyprus and culminates at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.

Ahead of the visit, PM Modi expressed optimism about deepening ties with Croatia, stating: “I look forward to my visit to the Republic of Croatia and my meetings with President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Our nations share centuries-old cultural connections. As the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Croatia, this visit will help open new avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”

He also emphasized that the broader three-nation tour serves as an opportunity to thank India’s partner countries for their consistent support in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism and to promote global unity in confronting terrorism in all its forms.

Diplomatic and Economic Significance

Strategic analysts view this landmark visit as a step towards fostering closer political, economic, and cultural collaboration. The trip is expected to boost cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, innovation, defence, ports and shipping, science and technology, cultural exchange, and workforce mobility.

India and Croatia already maintain close cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, defence, and multilateral fora. The bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 300 million, while Indian investments in Croatia are estimated at around USD 48 million.

This visit builds on previous high-level engagements, such as PM Modi’s interactions with PM Plenković during the COP-26 Summit and the virtual India-EU Leaders’ Meeting in 2021. Former President Ramnath Kovind also made a significant diplomatic outreach when he visited Croatia in March 2019 and was awarded Croatia’s highest civilian honour — the Grand Order of the King of Tomislav.

Historical and Cultural Ties

India’s connection with Croatia dates back centuries. Croatian missionaries were among the earliest visitors to India, and historic ties have been traced between the Principality of Dubrovnik and Goa. Notably, the Church of São Braz in Goa, believed to have been built by Croatians around 1563, stands as a testament to these early interactions.

Indian Diaspora in Croatia

In recent years, the Indian community in Croatia has grown rapidly, influenced by Croatia’s evolving demographic and labour needs. As of December 2024, approximately 17,000 Indians were residing in Croatia. A large proportion of them are employed on short- to medium-term contracts across various sectors of the economy, forming a mobile workforce that contributes to the country’s labour market.

With this historic visit, PM Modi not only reinforces India’s cultural legacy in Europe but also sets the stage for renewed diplomatic engagement and expanded collaboration between India and Croatia in the years ahead.