Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bratislava on a state visit on Monday, June 15, 2026, becoming the first-ever Indian prime minister to visit Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993. He was received on arrival by Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár and accorded the traditional Slovak greeting of bread and salt, a symbolic welcome that expresses hospitality, respect and goodwill.
The bread-and-salt ritual, common across Slovak and broader Slavic cultures, was presented as a gesture of prosperity and lasting friendship: bread to signify sustenance and shared blessings, and salt to symbolise enduring value and protection. The airport reception also featured a colourful cultural programme, including a performance by the Kopaniciarik children’s folk ensemble from the Myjava region in traditional dress.
At his hotel, a large gathering of the Indian diaspora waved tricolours and chanted “Modi, Modi.” The atmosphere turned emotional when the renowned Lúčnica Ensemble offered a rendition of India’s national song “Vande Mataram,” and Modi witnessed a spiritual performance by the local Mahadeva Kirtan Projekt — underscoring the visit’s cultural exchange element.
Posting on X after his arrival, Modi said: “Reached Bratislava. This visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. Looking forward to productive meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico.” He is scheduled for high-level talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico during a two-day stay.
The visit, the second leg of Modi’s European tour after talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice, is expected to focus on boosting economic cooperation, manufacturing, railway development and trade. Modi will also meet leading Slovak business executives to discuss strategic investment opportunities before returning to France to attend the G7 Summit in Evian. This state visit follows an official trip to Slovakia by Indian President Droupadi Murmu in 2025.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/pm-modi-makes-historic-first-ever-visit-to-slovakia-receives-traditional-bread-and-salt-welcome-watch-14022471.html
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Publish Date: 2026-06-15 06:48:00
