Bratislava: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of an India Chair on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at a Slovak university during his historic visit to Slovakia, marking a significant step in strengthening educational, technological and innovation-focused cooperation between the two countries. The initiative is aimed at promoting research, academic exchanges and collaboration in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.
The announcement came during Modi’s visit to Bratislava, the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to independent Slovakia. During talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico, both countries agreed to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including technology, innovation, education and digital transformation.
Boosting India-Slovakia Technology Cooperation
The proposed India Chair on Artificial Intelligence is expected to serve as a platform for academic research, faculty exchanges and collaborative projects between Indian and Slovak institutions. The initiative reflects the growing importance both countries attach to AI and other emerging technologies as drivers of future economic growth.
According to Modi, the establishment of the AI Chair will help create stronger links between researchers, students and technology experts from both nations while encouraging innovation-led partnerships.
India’s Expanding Global AI Vision
The announcement aligns with India’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a major global player in artificial intelligence. Over the past year, India has accelerated investments in AI infrastructure, research and international partnerships through initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission and the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly emphasized that India’s AI vision is based on “sovereignty, inclusivity and innovation,” with a focus on making AI accessible and beneficial for society while promoting responsible development of the technology.
Relations Elevated to Comprehensive Partnership
The AI initiative was announced alongside a broader diplomatic breakthrough, as India and Slovakia elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. The upgraded relationship is expected to expand cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy, digital technologies, cybersecurity, education and advanced manufacturing.
Both leaders highlighted the significant potential for collaboration between India’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem and Slovakia’s strengths in engineering, innovation and industrial research.
Academic and Innovation Focus
The AI Chair is also expected to encourage student mobility, joint research programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Experts believe such academic collaborations can play an important role in building talent pipelines and fostering innovation ecosystems across borders.
The move reflects a growing international trend in which countries are using academic partnerships to strengthen cooperation in strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity and digital governance.
A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
The establishment of an India Chair on Artificial Intelligence is being viewed as a symbolic and practical step toward deeper India-Slovakia engagement. As both nations seek to expand cooperation in future-oriented sectors, the initiative is expected to contribute to stronger people-to-people connections, research partnerships and technological collaboration.
