Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic praised India’s expanding global status, highlighting the country’s bold and inclusive strategy for prosperity, sustainability, and technological innovation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
In his remarks, Plenkovic noted India’s successful hosting of the 2023 G20 conference and the impending Global Artificial Intelligence conference as significant evidence of the country’s global leadership and emergence as a powerful champion for the Global South. He emphasized that India’s dynamic approach to international affairs is consistent with Croatia’s own goals for prosperity and collaboration.
Plenkovic highlighted Croatia’s unique status as a member of both the European Union and NATO, as well as its role as a Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe. He cited the Three Seas Initiative—a regional cooperation platform that connects 13 EU member states across the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas—as a significant area where Croatia can help boost strategic connectivity between Europe and India.
The program, launched in 2015 and sponsored by major partners such as the US, Germany, the European Commission, and Japan, seeks to improve regional economic growth, energy security, and solidarity.
The Croatian Prime Minister also highlighted the potential for further bilateral collaboration with India in a variety of areas, including trade, technology, science, education, mobility, military, culture, and tourism. He cordially welcomed Prime Minister Modi to Croatia, emphasizing the two nations’ long-standing friendship and shared commitment to mutual respect and real partnership.
Plenkovic emphasized the historical ties between Croatia and India, citing Marco Polo, the renowned adventurer born on the Croatian island of Korcula who brought India’s wonders to Europe.
He also noted the work of Croatian scholar Philip Bezdigi, who created the first written Sanskrit grammar in the 18th century, laying the groundwork for Europe’s academic engagement with India’s linguistic and philosophical traditions. In 1876, the University of Zagreb initiated Sanskrit studies, solidifying this cultural exchange.
Plenkovic also cited Stepan Radic, a major Croatian leader inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, as an illustration of the philosophical and political ties between the two countries.
Plenkovic concluded his speech with a toast, celebrating Croatia and India’s long-standing friendship and expressing hope for a future based on trust, mutual respect, and shared achievement. He emphasized the value of ongoing learning, inspiration, and collaboration, imagining both countries marching together on a road of creativity, understanding, and peace.
