For India, Slovakia is not just a country but the industrial gateway to Europe.
Slovakia was enslaved by many countries. At first it was part of the Great Moravian Empire. Then it came under the Hungarian Empire. Later it became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the First World War it became part of Czechoslovakia. Nazi Germany occupied it for some time during World War II. After that it again became a part of Czechoslovakia. Under the influence of the Soviet Union, it also remained under communist rule. Overall, mainly three-four major powers controlled it. These include Hungary, Austria, Germany and the Soviet Union.
Slovakia got independence without shedding blood. This is a very important fact. Velvet Revolution took place in the year 1989. This was a peaceful movement. People opposed the communist rule without violence. After this movement democracy came to Czechoslovakia. Velvet divorced in the year 1993. Czechoslovakia divided into two countries. One became Czech Republic and the other became Slovakia. This partition was completely peaceful. There was no fight. No blood was shed. Both the countries decided to separate with mutual consent.
How did Slovakia become powerful after independence?
Slovakia became an independent country on 1 January 1993. Today it is a member of the European Union and NATO. The country developed rapidly. It became a major center of the automobile industry. After independence, Slovakia strengthened democracy. Today it remains a symbol of peace and stability. The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 14 to 16 June is very important. This is the first time since the independence of Slovakia that an Indian Prime Minister has visited here.
The real strength of Slovakia is its manufacturing sector. Photo: Pixabay
How are India-Slovakia relations?
The history of friendship between India and Slovakia is old. As soon as Slovakia became an independent country on January 1, 1993, India immediately recognized it. Opened its embassy just 19 days after the declaration of independence i.e. on 19 January 1993. From then till today, relations between the two countries have continuously strengthened. Both countries share democratic values. Relations are cordial. Yoga and Ayurveda are popular in Slovakia. Indian culture is liked here. The Indian community is growing in Slovakia. About eleven thousand Indians live there. There are students also among them. The main objective of the visit is to strengthen relations between the two countries and increase cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and technology.
What are the major industries in Slovakia?
The real strength of Slovakia is its manufacturing sector. Especially the automobile industry. This country is counted among the world’s largest per capita car producers. According to available reports, around 11 lakh cars were manufactured here in 2019 and the share of auto sector was 43 percent of the total industrial production. This is the reason why big companies like Volkswagen, Kia, Jaguar Land Rover and Stellantis have their plants here. To support this sector, about 360 supplier companies are also working here. Apart from auto, engineering, electronics, household chemicals, services and tourism are also important sectors here.
This country is counted among the world’s largest per capita car producers.
Why is Slovakia important for India?
For India, Slovakia is not just a small European country. This is the industrial gateway to Europe. Its position in Central Europe is strategic. This is also important in terms of access to the European Union market. When India is looking for new partners in manufacturing, supply chain and advanced technology, Slovakia is emerging as a natural partner.
What is the trade between India and Slovakia?
Trade between the two countries has increased rapidly. According to Indian Ambassador Apoorva Srivastava, bilateral trade between the two countries will cross 1 billion euros for the first time in 2024. It will increase to 1.8 billion euros in the year 2025. In this, India’s exports were about 1.52 billion dollars i.e. 1.32 billion euros and imports were about 268 million dollars i.e. 264 million euros. That is, it is clear that India’s export potential looks strong in this relationship.
What does India send to Slovakia?
The most prominent name among the goods going from India to Slovakia is automobile components and spare parts. This is the reason why the auto sector is considered to be the strongest pillar in the relationship between the two countries. In simple language, India provides things to Slovakia which are used in running car factories, assembly lines and supply networks. That means India is not just sending goods there, but is becoming a part of the production cycle.
PM Modi in Slovakia. Photo: X/Narendra Modi
What does Slovakia offer to India?
Slovakia mainly supplies luxury vehicles and high-value auto products to India. Many of the luxury vehicles seen on Indian roads are mainly made in Slovakia. This means that the focus of India-Slovakia trade is cars, car parts and the entire value chain of the auto industry. On one hand, India provides parts and supplies. On the other hand, Slovakia supplies finished or high-end auto products to India.
PM Modi welcomed with bread and salt in Slovakia
The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish. pic.twitter.com/Iy4RAY4h76
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026
Relationship goes beyond business
This relationship is not limited to just buying and selling. Both countries are also talking on defence, new technology, cyber security, education and investment. Slovakia can become a gateway for Indian companies in Europe. India is a big market for Slovak companies.
Simply put, Slovakia is small, but not weak. This is a powerful center of auto industry. This country occupies a big place on the industrial map of Europe. Its trade with India has now reached the level of 1.6 billion euros, i.e. about 1.8 billion dollars. India sends auto parts and spare supplies there. Slovakia supplies luxury vehicles and high-value auto products to India. This is the reason why PM Modi’s visit is not only diplomatic but also economic. In the coming times, this relationship can become an important chapter of India’s Europe policy.
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