PM Modi’s Historic Croatia Visit: Strengthening India’s Gateway to Europe

On June 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Croatia, marking a historic step in deepening India’s engagement with the strategically located Adriatic nation. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and the Mediterranean, Croatia presents India with economic, connectivity, and cultural opportunities—especially as part of India’s broader outreach to the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region.

Why in News?

PM Modi’s Croatia visit is significant for three key reasons It is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia. It signals India’s growing strategic interest in Central and Eastern Europe, beyond its traditional ties with Western Europe. Croatia’s geographical and logistical importance aligns with India’s ambition to boost trade through projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

India-Croatia Diplomatic History

• India recognized Croatia’s independence in May 1992, among the first non-European nations to do so.
• Diplomatic relations began in July 1992; embassies established by 1996.
• Relationship historically cordial, dating back to the Yugoslav era, where Josip Broz Tito, of Croat-Slovene origin, maintained strong ties with Indian leadership.

Strategic Significance of Croatia

• Geographical advantage: Located on the Adriatic Sea, providing access to European ports like Rijeka, Split, and Ploče.
• Sits on major transport and trade corridors like the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
• A potential node in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), connecting India with CEE and Balkans.
• Croatia is part of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), a regional forum of 12 countries focused on infrastructure, energy, and digital development.

Economic Cooperation

• Bilateral trade rose from $199.45 million in 2017 to $337.68 million in 2023.
• India’s exports: Pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, chemicals.
• Croatia’s exports: Precision instruments, chemicals, rubber, wood products, oils.

Cultural and Civilisational Links

• Croatian scholar Filip Vezdin (1748–1806) published the first Sanskrit grammar book in Latin in 1790.
• During the visit, Croatian PM Plenković gifted a reprint of this historic text to PM Modi.
• Croatian missionaries contributed to Goan architecture (Church of São Braz).
• Indian cultural studies remain popular in Croatian universities.

Geopolitical Implications

• Visit counters Chinese influence in the region via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Helps India balance its EU strategy by focusing on Central and Eastern Europe, not just Western capitals.
• Many CEE countries support India’s bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.