Strategy & Growth Bedrock of India-Czech Bond
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Prime Minister of Czech Republic, Petr Fiala on 10th January marked a significant step in advancing India-Czech bilateral relations, particularly in knowledge, technology, and science. The two leaders announced a strategic collaboration focusing on start-ups, innovation, cybersecurity, digital domains, artificial intelligence, defence, nuclear energy, and the circular economy. This partnership, unique in its scope, aligns with India's aspirations to finalise its India-European Union bilateral agenda, including a free trade agreement and the India-EU Trade and Technology Council.
Notably, the Czech Republic is the first European nation to establish such a strategic partnership with India, reflecting their successful collaboration under the Make in India initiative. Over 30 Czech companies had partnered with Indian manufacturers in aviation, railways, and defence sectors for the Make in India initiative. This collaboration positions India as a key manufacturing and innovation hub, enhancing its role as a reliable strategic partner in the global market. The focus on innovation in defence, tech, sustainable development, and each other’s policies like Czech Republic’s ‘Industry 4.0’ and India’s ‘Make in India’ demonstrates the growing trust in India for crucial bilateral trades and collaborations.
During his visit, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala was honoured with an Honoris Causa Doctorate degree from Jaipur NIMS institute for his contributions to international policies and political science. The visit also featured the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Petr Fiala Global Institute of Research Innovation and the inauguration of the Marik Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cybernetics at the university. In his address, Fiala expressed confidence in India's potential to lead in technology and healthcare on a global scale, highlighting the deepening ties and shared vision between India and the Czech Republic.
