PM Modi becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Croatia, marking a major milestone in bilateral ties.
Zagreb | June 18, 2025 —In a historic diplomatic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Zagreb on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Croatia, marking a significant milestone in the ties between the two nations.
The visit is the final leg of PM Modi's three-nation tour, which included earlier stops in Cyprus and a visit to Canada for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.
First-Ever Indian PM Visit to Croatia: A New Chapter Begins
Prime Minister Modi expressed hope that the visit would lead to a deeper engagement between the two countries.
“As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” PM Modi stated before departing for Zagreb.
Modi also mentioned that the tour provided an opportunity to thank partner countries for their support against terrorism and to promote global cooperation in tackling the threat of terrorism in all its forms.
Agendas: Strengthening Bilateral Ties Across Sectors
PM Modi is scheduled to hold meetings with Croatian President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
According to analysts, the historic visit is expected to deepen cooperation between India and Croatia in multiple areas:
- Trade and investment
- Defence and maritime cooperation
- Science and technology
- Ports and shipping
- Innovation and workforce mobility
- Cultural and educational exchange
India and Croatia already enjoy warm relations, with cooperation in several fields and active participation in international platforms.
Trade and Investment Snapshot: Bilateral Economic Ties
The current bilateral trade between India and Croatia is valued at approximately USD 300 million, while Indian investments in Croatia stand around USD 48 million.
India sees the European nation as a gateway to Central Europe, and Croatian businesses have expressed interest in partnerships with Indian tech and manufacturing sectors.
Growing Indian Community in Croatia
The Indian community in Croatia has grown significantly in recent years, largely due to the country’s labour demand in sectors like construction, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare.
Community at a Glance:
- 17,000 Indians were residing in Croatia as of December 2024.
- Most are short- to medium-term contract workers, forming part of a mobile workforce.
- India’s Mission in Zagreb has facilitated outreach and support for this fast-growing community.
Historical Connections Between India and Croatia
The India-Croatia relationship is also rooted in centuries-old cultural exchanges.
- Early Croatian missionaries visited India.
- The Principality of Dubrovnik had links to Goa in the 16th century.
- The Church of São Braz, built around 1563, is believed to have Croatian origins.
These historical ties have been reinforced through cultural events, education, and people-to-people contact.
Previous Diplomatic Engagements
- Former President Ram Nath Kovind visited Croatia in March 2019, where he was awarded Croatia’s highest civilian honor, The Grand Order of the King of Tomislav.
- PM Modi previously met PM Plenković briefly at COP-26 in Glasgow and during the India–EU Leaders’ Meeting in 2021.
These interactions laid the groundwork for the current full-fledged bilateral engagement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Croatia is more than just symbolic—it signals India’s growing diplomatic outreach to Central Europe and reflects its intent to diversify international partnerships in trade, security, and cultural exchange. With Croatia looking to strengthen ties with India in areas of mutual benefit, this historic visit could be the beginning of a new strategic chapter for both countries.