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INDIA CROATIA RELATIONS

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INDIA CROATIA RELATIONS

Why in News?

  • On June 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Zagreb, announced that India and Croatia will establish long-term plans for deepening defence partnership.
  • This marks a significant step in bolstering bilateral ties across various sectors.

KEY OUTCOMES

  • Defence Cooperation:
    • Commitment to formulate a long-term Defence Cooperation Plan.
    • Focus areas include defence production, joint training, military exchanges, and cybersecurity.
    • Aims to enhance collaboration between national defence industries.
  • Economic & Investment Opportunities:
    • India will enhance investment in Croatia’s critical industries: pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, clean technology, digital technology, renewable energy, and semiconductors.
    • Croatia invited to participate in India’s Sagarmala project (port modernization, coastal zone development, multimodal connectivity), with emphasis on
    • Identified areas where economies can complement each other to boost bilateral trade and create reliable supply chains.
  • Space Cooperation:
    • India and Croatia will jointly work on space ventures.
    • India committed to sharing its space expertise and experience with Croatia.
  • People-to-People & Cultural Ties:
    • Academic institutes from both countries will undertake joint research projects.
    • A 5-year Cultural Exchange Programme (2026-2030) was finalized.
    • The MoU for the Hindi Chair at Zagreb University has been extended until 2030, appreciating the Indology department there.
    • A mobility agreement to facilitate the movement of people between the two countries will be signed “soon.”
  • International Issues & Cooperation:
    • PM Modi reiterated India’s stance on resolving international conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, asserting that solutions cannot be found on battlefields.
    • India expressed appreciation for Croatia’s solidarity following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, condemning terrorism as an enemy of humanity and democracy.
    • Croatia’s support is deemed significant for strengthening India’s strategic partnership with the European Union.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ENGAGEMENT

  • Expanding European Outreach: PM Modi’s visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, reflects India’s expanding engagement with Europe beyond traditional Western partners, focusing on newer EU members like Croatia that influence EU decision-making.
  • Shared Values: The partnership is rooted in shared values of democracy, rule of law, pluralism, and equality.
  • Strengthening Bilateral Trade: The identified areas for cooperation are expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, which has shown consistent growth.
  • Croatia’s Strategic Importance:
    • Geostrategic Gateway: Croatia, located on the eastern Adriatic coast, serves as a maritime gateway to Central Europe and a potential hub in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
    • Alternative to Chinese Influence: Croatia’s limited participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) positions it as a favorable partner for India in promoting a democratic, rules-based alternative in the Balkans.
    • Influence in EU and NATO: Croatia’s full membership in both the EU and NATO provides India indirect access to European regulatory systems and policy debates, and support for India’s EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

ABOUT CROATIA

  • Geography: Southeastern Europe, northwestern Balkan Peninsula.
    • Borders: Slovenia (NW), Hungary (NE), Serbia (E), Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro (SE). Bounded by the Adriatic Sea (W), sharing a maritime border with Italy.
    • Terrain: Fertile, flat plains in the north; low mountains and highlands along the coast.
    • Mountain Ranges: Dinaric Alps, Velebit, Velika Kapela.
    • Climate:
    • Rivers: Drava, Krka, Sava.
    • Capital: Zagreb (largest city, administrative, cultural, industrial, economic, and transport hub).
    • Population:86 million (2023, World Bank).
  • Political Status: Member of both the European Union and NATO.

 

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