First ever visit of  Indian PM to Croatia has vital importance, says Ambassador Arun Goel –

In a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations, India and Croatia are committed to deepen the political and strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to the European nation. Talking to Akashvani News in Zagreb,  Indian Ambassador to Croatia Arun Goel said, , the first ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister has vital importance.
Talking about the Indian Policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, Ambassador Goel said Croatia, having itself faced extremism and terrorism, deeply understands India’s security concerns. In the wake of the recent Pahalgam attack, Croatians expressed strong solidarity with India. He added that  India’s restrained yet firm approach has been widely praised in Croatia.
The Ambassador said that the visit marks a new era of cooperation across key sectors, with four vital agreements to be signed to catalyze collaboration in science and technology, agriculture, culture, and education. He emphasized the importance of Croatia’s role as a European Union (EU) member state in facilitating India as well as the EU’s willingness to sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of this year. He said while the FTA with the EU remains under negotiation.    
      The ambassador said the first agreement centers on a Program of Cooperation in Science and Technology, a dynamic framework designed to identify collaborative areas, foster conducive environments, and stimulate joint activities, projects, and exchange of knowledge and scientific personnel between the two nations. The second is a comprehensive agreement on Agriculture and Allied Activities, covering 30 identified fields. Cultural ties have also been given a long-term boost. A new Cultural Exchange Program till 2030 spans music, dance, theatre, cultural heritage, libraries, museums, archaeology, audio-visual media, and festivals. In a strong move to promote India’s linguistic and educational outreach, the fourth agreement includes the extension of the Hindi Chair at the University of Zagrab in Croatia.