PM Modi’s Historic Croatia Visit: Strengthening India’s Gateway to Europe
On June 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first Indian PM to visit Croatia, underscoring a major leap in deepening India’s relationship with the Adriatic country with strategic significance. Croatia’s location at a crossroads between Europe and the Mediterranean provides opportunities for Indian engagement in economic, connectivity, and cultural fields as part of India’s larger engagement with the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Croatia stands out for three particular reasons. It was the first-ever visit to Croatia by an Indian Prime Minister. It reflects India’s rising strategic interest in not only Croatia, but the CEE region, beyond its historical relationships in Western Europe. Croatia’s geographic and logistical importance aligns with India’s aspiration to grow international trade through such initiatives as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
India-Croatia Diplomatic History
– India recognized Croatia’s independence in May 1992, and was one of the first four non-European states to do so.
– Diplomatic Relations were put in place in July 1992, and embassies were established in 1996.
– The relationship has been historically cordial, dating back to the time of Yugoslavia, as the Yugoslavian leader Josip Broz Tito of Croat-Slovene descent, maintained good relations with Indian leadership.
Strategic Importance of Croatia
• Geostrategic advantages: access to the Adriatic sea and ports in Europe (Rijeka, Split, and Ploče).
• Central location for trade corridors, and its location along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
• A possible hub for an India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to connect India with both CEE and the Balkans.
• Croatia membership in the Three Seas Initiative (3SI); regional forum of 12 countries focused on infrastructure, energy, and digital development.
Economic Cooperation
• Total bilateral trade has not flown regularly and grew from $199.45 million in 2017 to $337.68 million in 2023.
• India exports – Pharmaceuticals, Machinery, Textiles, Chemicals.
• Croatia exports – Instruments, Chemical, Rubber, Wood Products, oils.