In a truly unique and culturally resonant gesture, PM Narendra Modi received a remarkably warm welcome upon his arrival in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Marking a historic visit as the first Indian Prime Minister to grace the Balkan nation, PM Modi was not only met with official protocols but also by a group of Croatian nationals chanting the revered Gayatri Mantra. This exceptional reception underscored the deep-rooted cultural affinity and mutual respect shared between India and Croatia.
The scene unfolded as Prime Minister Modi arrived at his hotel in Zagreb, where he was greeted by an enthusiastic Indian diaspora. Chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” filled the air, accompanied by vibrant traditional Indian dance performances, reflecting the community’s immense joy and pride.
However, it was the participation of Croatian citizens in this welcome that truly stood out. Dressed in white attire, a group of Croatian men and women joined PM Modi in reciting the Gayatri Mantra and other Sanskrit verses. A video shared by the Prime Minister on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle captured this powerful moment, showing him joining in the sacred chants with evident delight. “The bonds of culture are strong and vibrant! Here is a part of the welcome in Zagreb. Happy to see Indian culture has so much respect in Croatia,” PM Modi tweeted, acknowledging the profound cultural connection.
This unique display of cultural exchange highlights the enduring appeal and global reach of Indian heritage. The presence of Sanskrit studies at the University of Zagreb and the widespread adoption of practices like Yoga and Ayurveda in Croatia further testify to the strong people-to-people ties that have historically linked the two nations.
Beyond the cultural spectacle, PM Modi’s visit to Croatia holds significant diplomatic and economic importance. He was personally received by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković at the airport, a special gesture that emphasized the importance of this bilateral engagement. During his stay, PM Modi held wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Plenković and also met with President Zoran Milanović, aiming to bolster cooperation across various sectors.
Discussions covered areas such as trade, defense, innovation, shipping, science and technology, and cultural exchange. Both leaders expressed a commitment to deepening bilateral trade and building resilient supply chains, identifying new avenues for collaboration in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, information technology, clean and digital technologies, renewable energy, and semiconductors. The two nations also signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in fields including agriculture, science & technology, culture, and the renewal of a Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb, signifying concrete steps towards strengthening their partnership.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Croatia, the final leg of his three-nation tour that also included Cyprus and Canada for the G7 Summit, marks a new chapter in India’s engagement with Central and Southeast Europe. It underscores India’s evolving European strategy, moving beyond traditional Western European partnerships to embrace newer EU members. This historic visit, characterized by warmth, mutual respect, and a remarkable cultural exchange, is poised to lay a robust foundation for enhanced cooperation and a stronger bond between India and Croatia for years to come.