Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Croatia may not have generated the same headlines as his engagements with bigger European powers like France or Germany, but it marks a significant milestone in India’s evolving foreign policy architecture. In what was the first-ever standalone visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Adriatic nation, the message was loud and clear—no European partner is too small when it comes to India’s broader strategic, economic, and diplomatic outreach. While Croatia may not wield the political weight of Western European nations, its geopolitical positioning, EU membership, and growing interest in strategic partnerships make it a valuable piece in India’s expanding European puzzle.
Croatia occupies a unique space in the European Union and the Balkans. As the newest EU member (joined in 2013) and a member of NATO, Croatia serves as a crucial link between Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans—three regions of growing strategic importance for India. In recent years, New Delhi has worked hard to diversify its European engagements beyond the traditional Western powers. This visit underscores that shift. As the European Union becomes a more multipolar entity, countries like Croatia offer opportunities to deepen India’s presence in emerging subregions, especially in the post-Brexit scenario where EU outreach cannot rely solely on old formulas.
PM Modi’s visit aligns with India’s larger vision of building bridges across Europe through its “EU+” strategy—a policy designed to engage not only with Brussels but also individual member states to create new bilateral and multilateral synergies. In this framework, Croatia stands out as an underutilized yet promising partner. It has shown strong interest in engaging with India in areas such as defence, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and IT. Its highly skilled workforce and strategic access to the Adriatic Sea offer potential for maritime cooperation, port development, and trade logistics.
One must also understand Croatia’s value from a geopolitical lens. Nestled along the Adriatic Sea, it sits at a maritime crossroads that connects Europe to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. As India expands its naval presence and maritime diplomacy through the Indo-Pacific framework, establishing maritime ties with Mediterranean-access countries like Croatia could help open new naval corridors and enhance port-led development under India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. The connectivity potential is enormous—from linking Indian shipping routes to Europe’s southern corridors, to enhancing India’s ability to reach markets in Central and Eastern Europe.
Culturally, too, there is untapped depth. The two nations share a deep-rooted historical connection, with Croatian Indologists having played a significant role in promoting Sanskrit and Indian philosophy in Europe. The cultural resonance gives a softer but equally important dimension to the partnership. With the rise of interest in Ayurveda, yoga, and Indian arts in Eastern Europe, Croatia can serve as a cultural gateway for India to the Balkans.
The timing of the visit is also telling. In a world increasingly divided into geopolitical blocs, India is pursuing strategic autonomy and multi-alignment. Building relationships with countries like Croatia allows India to remain agile—expanding influence without being seen as overly aligned with any single power bloc. Moreover, as India seeks support for global initiatives like its permanent seat in the UN Security Council or climate change cooperation, gaining the trust of smaller, strategically placed nations becomes essential.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s historic visit to Croatia is emblematic of a maturing foreign policy that values strategic depth over sheer size. For India, Croatia is more than just a small European country—it is a bridge to new geographies, a gateway to regional influence, and a testament to India’s inclusive and wide-ranging diplomatic strategy. As India continues to shape its global narrative, such nuanced engagements will increasingly define the contours of its international standing.
Uday India Bureau
Leave Your Comment