Bratislava: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateralism and advancing reforms of global institutions, particularly the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The two leaders emphasized the need to make international institutions more representative, inclusive, effective, and reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities.
According to the India-Slovakia Joint Statement issued on Monday, both sides underscored the urgent need to expand the UNSC in both permanent and non-permanent categories. Slovakia reiterated its continued support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed and expanded Security Council.
The leaders agreed to maintain consultations and coordination regarding their respective candidacies in international organizations and to enhance cooperation in global forums, including the United Nations.
During the discussions, both sides stressed the importance of preserving and strengthening the global non-proliferation architecture. Slovakia reaffirmed its “constructive approach” toward India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a 48-member body that regulates global nuclear commerce and seeks to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons through agreed export control guidelines.
The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation with regional groupings such as the Slavkov 3, Visegrad 4, and the Three Seas Initiative. They highlighted the importance of interconnected infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, promoting sustainable economic growth, and strengthening regional integration.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Fico further reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region based on respect for international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, including adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Meanwhile, India’s Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, reiterated India’s longstanding call for reform of global institutions. He stated that the United Nations must evolve to reflect present-day realities rather than remain anchored in outdated structures.
Highlighting India’s contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and its position as the world’s largest democracy, George welcomed Slovakia’s renewed support for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of an expanded UN Security Council.