India and Slovakia have agreed to establish a dedicated consular mechanism to facilitate regular consultations between their respective consular authorities, aiming to streamline visa processes, legal migration, and ensure the safety of citizens traveling between the two nations. This decision was announced on Monday following a significant increase in the movement of students, IT professionals, and skilled workers between New Delhi and Bratislava.
Consular Cooperation Recognized as Critical
According to the joint statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral talks with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, both leaders recognized consular cooperation as a critical area of mutual interest. The growing volume of bilateral travel necessitated the creation of a dedicated channel for direct coordination between consular authorities.
The statement noted, "The leaders noted that cooperation on consular matters remained an area of continued interest to both countries, given the growing movement of people and expanding people-to-people ties. In this context, they agreed to establish a mechanism for regular consular consultations between their respective consular authorities to facilitate cooperation on consular matters."
Alignment with Broader Mobility Push
The formalization of consular talks aligns with a broader push for mobility during PM Modi's state visit. The visit also saw the exchange of a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour migration and a commitment to finalize a mutual social security agreement.
Prime Minister Modi, while announcing the MoU, stated that the agreement would enhance the mobility of professionals and skilled workers, describing it as a step toward "close coordination" on the global platform. He said, "India and Slovakia are also moving forward in close coordination on the global stage. We agree that all disputes and tensions should be resolved peacefully. Today, we announced an MoU on labour migration to enhance the mobility of professionals and skilled workers between our two countries. We will also soon finalize an MoU on social security."
The Prime Minister also extended a heartfelt invitation to Slovak citizens to visit India, saying, "On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I invite you to visit India, and I am delighted that you have publicly accepted this invitation."
Digital Technology and AI Cooperation
PM Modi highlighted the MoU on digital technology, stating it would create new possibilities for cooperation in digital public infrastructure. He expressed gratitude for the establishment of an "India Chair on AI" at a Slovakian university. "Technology is a key pillar of our future partnership. The MoU signed today on digital technology will open up new possibilities for cooperation in digital public infrastructure. I am delighted that an India Chair on AI is being established at a Slovakian university," he said.
