Slovakia has reaffirmed its "constructive approach" toward India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the European country. The announcement came following a meeting between Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava on Monday.
Strengthening Non-Proliferation Framework
According to a joint statement released after the discussions, both leaders emphasized the importance of preserving and strengthening the global non-proliferation framework. Slovakia reiterated its support for India's aspirations to join the NSG, a 48-member grouping that regulates global nuclear commerce.
The NSG is an association of countries involved in nuclear trade that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons by regulating the export of nuclear materials, equipment, and related technologies through a set of agreed guidelines followed by its participating governments.
UN Security Council Reforms
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Fico stressed the urgent need to expand the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in both permanent and non-permanent categories to make it more representative, inclusive, and effective. India appreciated Slovakia's continued support for New Delhi's permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UNSC.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, with the United Nations at its core, and to a rules-based international order. They supported comprehensive reforms of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, particularly the UNSC, to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Cooperation in International Forums
According to the joint statement, both sides agreed to continue consultations and coordination on their respective candidacies in international organizations and to cooperate closely in global forums, including the United Nations.
Green Energy and Bilateral Ties
Beyond strategic issues, India and Slovakia agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation to achieve net-zero emissions. The focus will be on exchanging technologies to support the green energy transition and promote clean, reliable, and resilient energy systems.
The two sides also decided to deepen cooperation in the energy sector to enhance energy security, sustainability, and resilience through diversification of energy sources, including nuclear energy and geothermal power.
Comprehensive Partnership
PM Modi's state visit to Slovakia marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister since the country's independence in 1993. The visit saw the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership, expanding cooperation across several sectors, including defence, technology, trade, and innovation.
