Bratislava, June 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and unique cultural welcome in Slovakia’s Bratislava, where a Slovak musical group, The Mahadeva Kirtan Project, recited Sanskrit mantras and devotional chants.

After the performance concluded, PM Modi applauded the artists and said, “Om Shanti.”

He praised the musical group, describing it as a “commendable initiative that showcases the enduring cultural bonds between India and Slovakia.”

Sharing the video of the performance on X, PM Modi said: “The Mahadeva Kirtan Project is a commendable initiative that showcases the enduring cultural bonds between India and Slovakia. In Bratislava yesterday, witnessed a performance by this team. It is appreciable how they are deeply inspired by Indian spiritual traditions, Sanskrit mantras and other such aspects relating to India. I compliment Marek Zilinec and the entire team for their efforts!”

Earlier in the day, PM Modi also expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received in the Slovak capital, describing the welcome by the Indian community as truly special.

Taking to X, PM Modi said: “Yesterday evening’s welcome in Bratislava was truly special. I am grateful to the Indian community for their warmth and affection. Such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect our people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the traditional Slovak gesture of offering bread and salt, which formed part of the welcoming ceremony.

“The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish,” he noted.

During his visit, PM Modi also witnessed a cultural performance by Kopaniciarik, a folk ensemble from Slovakia’s Myjava region. Praising the presentation, he noted the importance of preserving traditional art forms and cultural heritage.

“Witnessed a captivating performance by Kopaniciarik from the Myjava region of Slovakia. Folk traditions such as these help preserve one’s culture and history,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi arrived in Bratislava on Sunday for a two-day State visit to Slovakia. He was received by the Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar at the Grand Hotel River Park, where the Prime Minister was accorded traditional Slovak hospitality.

Upon arrival in Slovakia, PM Modi stated that this visit provides an opportunity to deepen ties between the two nations and explore new avenues of cooperation. During his visit, PM Modi will hold talks with his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico and meet President Peter Pellegrini.

“Reached Bratislava. This visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. Looking forward to productive meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico”, he wrote on X.

The first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence in 1993, it will reaffirm India’s commitment towards strengthening its bilateral relationship with Slovakia in various sectors, including trade, investment, and automobile and railway manufacturing.

The visit by PM Modi follows President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and President Pellegrini’s visit to India for the AI Impact Summit in February.

–IANS

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