India and Slovakia on Monday took a major step towards expanding technological cooperation with the announcement of the first-ever India Chair on Artificial Intelligence at a Slovak university, as the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership during PM Modi’s historic visit to the European nation.

The initiative was announced following delegation-level talks between PM Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, during which both sides also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on digital technology aimed at enhancing cooperation in digital public infrastructure.

“Technology is an important pillar of our future partnership. The MoU signed today on digital technology will open new avenues of cooperation in digital public infrastructure,” PM Modi said during the joint press statement.

We view technology as a key pillar of the India-Slovakia partnership. The MoU on digital technology will open many new areas of cooperation. We will also work closely in AI and space. pic.twitter.com/DiSARinHrw

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026

He also welcomed the establishment of the AI Chair, describing it as another milestone in the growing technology partnership between the two countries.

Technical University Of Kosice To Host AI Chair

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the first-ever Indian Council for Cultural Relations Chair in Artificial Intelligence will be established at the Technical University of Kosice.

PM Modi underlined that artificial intelligence should serve humanity and progress while being guided by trust, responsibility and human dignity.

The AI initiative forms part of a broader effort by both countries to strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies and innovation.

The Prime Minister noted that the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership reflected shared trust, common priorities and a common vision for the future.

“I am delighted that on this historic occasion, we have decided to elevate our relations to a Comprehensive Partnership. This symbolises our shared trust, shared priorities and a shared future,” he said.

Cultural Links Highlighted Through Upanishads

Emphasising the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between India and Slovakia, PM Modi referred to the translation of India’s ancient Upanishads into the Slovak language as an example of the closeness between the two societies.

“The deep cultural and people-to-people ties between our two countries provide a strong foundation for our relationship. The translation of India’s ancient Upanishads into the Slovak language is an excellent example of our cultural closeness,” he said.

The translation was presented to President Droupadi Murmu during her State visit to Slovakia last year by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini.

Prepared by scholar Robert Gafrik and published by the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the Embassy of India, the work offers translations directly from Sanskrit. Gafrik has said the Upanishads continue to resonate across cultures and generations because of their emphasis on self-knowledge.

The translation was also highlighted by PM Modi during an episode of Mann Ki Baat.

Space, Nuclear Energy And Defence Cooperation Expand

The Prime Minister identified automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing, green technology and digital public infrastructure as priority areas for economic cooperation.

He thanked Slovakia for supporting the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and called for its early implementation to benefit businesses and startups.

Highlighting opportunities in the space sector, PM Modi recalled that Slovakia’s first satellite had been launched by India in 2017 and invited Slovak companies to participate in India’s rapidly expanding space ecosystem.

“There is enormous potential for expanding cooperation between us in the field of space,” he said.

The two countries also signed an agreement on scientific cooperation between the Indian National Science Academy and the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

Civil nuclear energy was identified as another important area of engagement, with both sides emphasising greater interaction between experts and industries.

A Letter of Intent signed in the defence sector is expected to boost joint development, joint production and closer cooperation between defence industries in the two countries.

PM Modi’s visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence in 1993, marked a significant expansion of bilateral engagement across strategic, technological, economic and cultural domains.

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