Zagreb, June 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Croatia have agreed that whether it is Europe or Asia, solutions to problems cannot come from battlefields, asserting that dialogue and diplomacy is the only way ahead.
In his media statement following talks with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenković, Modi said both leaders agree that “terrorism is an enemy of humanity” and it is inimical to forces that believe in democracy.
“We agree, whether in Europe or Asia, solutions to problems can’t be found from battlefields, and dialogue and diplomacy is the only way,” he said.
His comments come amid an escalating situation in West Asia as the military confrontation between Israel and Iran intensified.
Modi said that for any country, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty is essential.
During the meeting, Modi also said it was a “happy coincidence” that both he and Plenković were given the opportunity to serve a third term by the people of their respective countries last year.
“With this mandate, in our third terms, we have decided to give three-time pace to our bilateral ties,” he asserted.
“Held productive talks with my friend, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Zagreb. Our talks covered many sectors, aimed at making the India-Croatia bond even stronger. We will be working closely in the fields of defence and security, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, renewable energy, technology and more. Synergies in areas like semiconductors, shipbuilding, connectivity and more will also be greatly beneficial,” Modi said in an X post.
The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Croatia bilateral relations and explored avenues to deepen collaboration in various sectors, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Croatia for its steadfast support to India in fighting cross-border terrorism. The leaders also called for further deepening India-EU strategic ties, he added.
Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival for the talks.
He is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Balkan nation.
In his remarks, Plenković said his meeting with Modi reflects the importance and strength of relations between the two countries.
“We also said that global situation in terms of security is very volatile. So, it is important to have the most influential actors worldwide to give their contribution to peace, de-escalation of conflict, and to respect the rule of international laws,” the Croatian prime minister said.
He added that the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Iran situation also figured in the discussions.
He further said that Croatia expressed sorrow over the recent terror attack in India.
“We have understood very well, Indian Prime Minister’s message on fighting against terrorism, because that is the biggest threat to global stability,” he underlined.
Modi in his address said, “We are really grateful to the Croatian PM and the government” for the solidarity, adding, “In such a difficult time, support of our friendly nations was very important”.
He also said the two leaders agreed that in today’s global scenario, a partnership between India and Europe holds immense importance.
During the meeting, four memoranda of cooperation were signed in the areas of agriculture, culture, and science, and a memorandum between the ICCR and the University of Zagreb, related to the study of Indology, Plenković said.
“We also discussed economic relations, our exchange in trade,” he said, adding they also talked about the efforts to conclude the India-EU free trade agreement, which Croatia supports.
Plenković termed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMMEC) an “excellent opportunity” for regional connectivity.
In his address, Modi emphasised that India and Croatia are bound by shared values of democracy, rule of law, pluralism and equality.
“We have agreed to boost cooperation in various area to enhance bilateral trade. Pharma, agriculture, IT, clean technology, digital technology, renewable energy, semiconductors,” he said.
In shipbuilding and cyber security, cooperation will be increased, and “India will share its space experience with Croatia,” Modi asserted.
Today, it was also resolved to add “more strength” to the cultural and people-to-people ties.
The duration of the Hindi Chair at Zagreb University has been increased till 2030. And, for the next five years, a cultural exchange programme has been prepared, Modi said.
“I have clearly felt the popularity of yoga here. And, I am sure like before, people of Croatia will vibrantly celebrate it,” he said.
In a post on X, he said, “We are eager to deepen cultural as well as people-to-people linkages between India and Croatia. Indology has been popular in Croatia for several decades. Tourism can also be a great sector to bring our nations closer. Happy to see Yoga becoming popular among people here.”
Modi arrived here earlier in the day on the last leg of his three-nation tour.
In a special gesture, Prime Minister Plenković received Modi at the airport upon his arrival from Canada.
Modi will also meet President Zoran Milanovic. (PTI)
