Strengthening India-Slovakia Ties Through Trade and Innovation
Bratislava/Nitra, Slovakia – April 11:
During her historic visit to Slovakia, President Droupadi Murmu extended a strong invitation to Slovakian businesses to participate in India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Emphasizing India’s rising global stature amidst uncertain geopolitical times, she underscored the country’s economic resilience, political stability, and reform-driven industrial policies.
President Murmu arrived in Slovakia on Wednesday, marking only the second visit by an Indian Head of State to the Slovak Republic in nearly three decades.
Address at Slovakia-India Business Forum
Speaking at the Slovakia-India Business Forum hosted by the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Murmu praised Slovakia’s openness to global talent. She stated,
“Slovakia is looking for hardworking, skilled professionals. I am convinced Indian talent can significantly contribute to Slovakia’s economic progress.”
She reiterated India's ambition to become a USD 5 trillion economy in the near future and expressed the desire to achieve this milestone in collaboration with global partners like Slovakia.
Inviting Investment, Promoting Growth
Highlighting India as one of the fastest-growing global economies, Murmu said Slovakia’s strategic European location and strong industrial base position it well for deeper economic ties with India. She extended an invitation to Slovak companies to explore investment opportunities under India’s flagship ‘Make in India’ programme, citing the country's favorable environment for manufacturing and ease of doing business.
Visit to JLR Plant in Nitra: A Symbol of Bilateral Success
On Thursday, President Murmu visited Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Nitra, a significant investment by Tata Motors that represents India’s industrial footprint in Slovakia. She met Indian staff at the facility and witnessed the rollout of a Land Rover Defender vehicle.
The Nitra plant, operational since October 2018, is a state-of-the-art aluminum manufacturing hub spread across 300,000 square meters. It has produced over 530,000 Defender and Discovery models and employs more than 4,400 people, including 3,300 Slovaks, 800 Ukrainians, and 200 Indians.
Slovak Government Support and Future Plans
The Slovak government supported JLR’s investment with EUR 125 million in aid, affirming its commitment to attracting high-tech global investments. Katarina Chlebova, spokesperson for JLR Slovakia, remarked,
“This is the largest Indian investment in Slovakia. We are pleased by President Murmu’s visit.”
She also revealed JLR’s forward-looking vision:
“Electrification is part of our reimagined strategy. By the end of this decade, we aim to produce at least one electric variant for every JLR model.”
Currently, the Land Rover Defender is manufactured exclusively at the Nitra facility and exported globally.
A Strong Foundation for Future Cooperation
President Murmu emphasized the importance of further diversifying trade between India and Slovakia. She lauded Slovakia’s role as a European Union member and a key player in the automotive, defence, and high-tech sectors, which can greatly benefit from India’s vast consumer market, skilled workforce, and booming startup ecosystem.
Her visit reflects the deepening partnership between the two nations and the mutual aspiration for sustainable industrial and economic growth.
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