Bratislava [Slovakia] During her two-day state visit, President Droupadi Murmu spoke to the Indian community at a reception in the country’s capital on Thursday (local time), highlighting the expanding cultural links between Slovakia and India.

In her speech, President Murmu noted how popular Indian customs, history, and practices—like yoga, ayurveda, and Indian food—are in Slovakia and how these cultural exchanges show how the two countries’ ties are growing.

She also underlined how India’s progress is inclusive and helps all facets of society.

“Seeing how well-liked India’s customs and history are by our Slovak friends is encouraging. Slovakia’s appreciation of Indian culture, which includes everything from yoga and ayurveda to Indian food, is evidence of the two nations’ deepening relationship.

On the occasion, the Ministry of External Affairs posted on X, saying, “Building a bridge between Slovakia and India! At a community gathering held in Bratislava, President Droupadi Murmu spoke to the active Indian diaspora. The President praised the Indian community for their role in strengthening India-Slovakia connections while also highlighting India’s progress and development narrative in her speech.

Along with Slovakian President Peter Pelligrini, President Murmu had previously visited the Jaguar Land Rover Factory in Nitra, Slovakia, where she engaged with employees from both nations.

“In the ancient town of Nitra, President Droupadi Murmu paid a visit to the Jaguar Land Rover Factory. The president of the Slovak Republic was with her. They met the employees and saw the plant’s cutting-edge production facilities. In addition to Slovaks and Ukrainians, the facility also employs Indians, the President’s Secretariat said on X.

The facility, which employs around 200 Indians, is a successful example of the India-Slovakia relationship, according to the MEA.

President Murmu and Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini planted a Linden tree, Slovakia’s national tree, in City Park in Nitra after she visited the car factory.

The President’s Secretariat reports that President Pellegrini showed interest in implementing a similar program in Slovakia after President Murmu briefed him on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative at the event.

“In the City Park in Sihot, Nitra, President Droupadi Murmu and President Peter Pellegrini of the Slovak Republic planted a Linden tree, which is Slovakia’s national tree, together. The mayor of Nitra, Mr. Marek Hattas, was also in attendance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s #EkPedMaaKeNaam initiative, a creative climate action campaign that honours the mother’s role in fostering life and also promotes the health of the earth, was discussed by President Murmu and President Pellegrini. The President’s Secretariate said on X that President Pellegrini was thrilled to hear this and that Slovakia may also take a similar step.

Earlier, the Constantine the Philosopher University in Slovakia awarded President Murmu the Doctorate Honoris Causa degree.

At the request of Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini, President Murmu travelled to Slovakia. It is the first time in 29 years that an Indian president has visited Slovakia. After finishing the first part of her trip in Portugal, she reached Slovakia.