Zagreb: According to Indian Ambassador to Croatia Arun Goel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Croatia will be critical in securing a favorable Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, as well as increased trade between India and Croatia.
Speaking to ANI ahead of the Prime Minister's first visit to Croatia, Goel said the trip may be regarded as a significant step in enhancing India's ties with EU partners.
Goel, observing the disparity in bilateral trade between the two countries, said that the potential for growth in trade in both directions was enormous.
Currently, Croatia's trade with India is increasing year after year; as of now, Croatian exports are around USD 27 billion, with imports to India totaling only USD 70 million, or 0. 26 percent. Croatia imports goods and services worth USD 47 billion, with India accounting for USD 380 million, or 0. 67%. He stated that the possibilities for two-way commerce between India and Croatia are enormous.
Goel emphasized that as India, presently the world's fourth-largest economy, prepares to become the third-largest, boosting shipments to the EU is critical.
Croatia joined the EU in 2013 and the Eurozone in 2023. So, this visit will help us find a partner who can assist us in obtaining a more balanced and favorable FTA with the EU, he said.
Goel emphasized that the Prime Minister's visit, which includes bilateral talks with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, a trip to the Homeland Memorial, and a walk to connect with the public, is expected to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
The Ambassador stated that four agreements will be finalized during the visit, including those on agriculture and related activities, science and technology, cultural exchange, and the extension of the Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb.
One is the agreement on agriculture and allied activities, which recognizes around 30 cooperation opportunities. Then, under a framework agreement on cooperation in science and technology, both nations will identify joint initiatives and research projects in all fields of science and technology. The cultural exchange program is being extended for another five years, along with an extension of the already existing Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb, he stated, highlighting possibilities in new technologies, maritime research, and cultural heritage.
Goel also emphasized the importance of PM Modi's visit as a global leadership gesture, citing excitement among the Croatian diaspora.
There are 38 million Croatians in the country, as well as approximately 4 million outside Croatians living in the US, Australia, Germany, and other countries. They view this first visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji not just as a visit by India's Prime Minister, but also as a visit by a global leader, with Modi ji seen as a pillar for establishing global peace in these unstable times, according to him.
Furthermore, Goel identified particular areas in which India and Croatia are expected to enhance cooperation, notably the inflow of Indian workers to Croatia.
Until around three years ago, we had fewer than 100 Indians in Croatia. In recent years, a few Indian employees have come due to demographic complementarity. They are extremely delighted to be here. They feel completely safe being here. That's very significant, and Croatians view Indians as hardworking, competent, trustworthy, peace-loving people who contribute to their economy, he said, forecasting that the positive trend will continue as Croatia's economy grows.
PM Modi will visit the European country in the final leg of his three-nation tour at the request of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on June 18.
This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, representing an important milestone in the bilateral relationship.
Modi will have bilateral talks with Prime Minister Plenkovic and meet Croatian President Zoran Milanovic. The trip to Croatia will also highlight India's dedication to deepen its cooperation with European Union allies.
