India and Slovakia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Partnership

Why in News:

India and Slovakia elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bratislava.

Both countries signed several MoUs and agreed to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism.

Note: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Slovakia's highest civilian honour during his official visit to Bratislava.

Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism:

India and Slovakia agreed to establish a JWG on Counter-Terrorism.

Reaffirmed commitment to bilateral and multilateral cooperation against terrorism.

Called for strong action against:

Terrorists and terrorist organizations

Terror financiers and supporters

UN-designated terrorist entities under the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee

MoUs Signed:

Cooperation in Digital Technologies.

Labour Migration.

Higher Education and Research.

Audio-Visual Creation.

Quantum Communication.

Critical Infrastructure Protection.

Cooperation in Education and Research:

MoU signed between the National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune and Slovak Health Spa Piestany.

Agreement finalized between IIT Delhi and Slovak Technical University.

Cooperation to include:

Student exchange programmes

Scholarships

Research collaboration

Artificial Intelligence Cooperation:

Decision to establish the first-ever ICCR Chair in Artificial Intelligence.

To be set up at the Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia.

Science and Tourism Cooperation:

Agreement signed between:

Indian National Science Academy (INSA)

Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS)

Both countries also agreed to strengthen tourism cooperation through tour operator associations.

Consular Cooperation:

Agreed to establish a mechanism for regular consular consultations.

Aim:

Facilitate movement of people

Strengthen people-to-people ties

Improve cooperation on consular matters

Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes):

Country: Slovakia

City Visited: Bratislava

Key Outcome: India-Slovakia Comprehensive Partnership

New Mechanism: Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism

AI Initiative: First ICCR Chair in Artificial Intelligence

Location: Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia

Key Institution: IIT Delhi

Science Agreement: INSA and SAS