India and Slovakia are looking to deepen their economic relationship, with automobiles, electric vehicles, engineering, advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation identified as key areas for expanded cooperation.
The discussions took place during a meeting between H.E. Robert Maxian, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to India, and Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI), in New Delhi.
Focus on Manufacturing and Technology Cooperation
Ambassador Robert Maxian highlighted Slovakia’s established manufacturing ecosystem and India’s scale, talent base and expanding domestic market as areas that could support stronger bilateral business partnerships.
“Slovakia has developed a strong manufacturing ecosystem, while India offers scale, talent and a rapidly expanding market. The presence of global automakers demonstrates the possibilities that manufacturing, technology sharing and global supply chains can create. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Slovakia has given fresh impetus to our bilateral relationship, and we now have an opportunity to translate this into stronger business partnerships, investment and technology cooperation between Slovakia and India,” said H.E. Robert Maxian.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, described as the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country’s independence, Ambassador Maxian said the visit had generated renewed interest among Slovak companies. He also emphasised the need to develop India-Slovakia relations beyond their traditionally friendly foundation towards a deeper economic and technological partnership.
Maharashtra Identified as Potential Gateway
Dr. Vijay Kalantri said there is considerable scope to expand trade, investment, joint ventures and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
“India and Slovakia have considerable untapped potential to expand trade, investment, joint ventures and industrial cooperation. As one of the most industrialised states of the country, Maharashtra, with its strong manufacturing base, skilled workforce and entrepreneurial ecosystem, can play an important role in taking this partnership forward particularly in automobiles, Railway locomotives, EVs, battery technology, engineering, advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation,” said Dr. Vijay Kalantri.
The discussions identified Maharashtra’s industrial and business ecosystem as a potential platform for Slovak companies looking to expand their presence in India. The state’s strengths include automobiles, engineering, financial services, technology, logistics and manufacturing.
World Trade Center Mumbai Highlights Earlier Engagement
Dr. Kalantri also referred to previous engagements between World Trade Center Mumbai and Slovakia, noting that the organisation had hosted Slovak Prime Ministers and other high-level dignitaries for bilateral discussions.
“In the past World Trade Center Mumbai have had the privilege of hosting Slovakian Prime Ministers and other high-level dignitaries for bilateral talks. Such high-level interactions should be resurrected once again to engage and enable meaningful dialogue to expand trade opportunities. World Trade Center Mumbai remains committed in playing a meaningful role in facilitating this. As India advances towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and aspires to build a USD 30 trillion economy, Slovakia can play a meaningful role in this journey—not only as a longstanding friend, but as a trusted economic and strategic partner,” added Dr. Kalantri.
India-EU Framework Could Support Wider Cooperation
The meeting also highlighted the potential for the India-Slovakia economic relationship to benefit from the broader India-EU framework.
The discussions pointed to opportunities across industry, investment, technology and joint ventures, while Maharashtra’s manufacturing and services capabilities could provide avenues for Slovak companies seeking to establish or expand operations in India.
Automobiles, railway locomotives, EVs, battery technology, engineering and advanced manufacturing emerged as key areas for potential cooperation, alongside technology and innovation. The discussions also underlined the scope for stronger business engagement as India and Slovakia look to expand the next phase of their bilateral economic relationship.