India and Czech Republic Forge Strategic Partnership- Pioneering Innovation, Defence, and Economic Collaboration

India and Czech Republic Forge Strategic Partnership: Pioneering Innovation, Defence, and Economic Collaboration

Huma Siddiqui

New Delhi, Jan 10

The decision comes as a testament to their commitment to fostering joint partnerships and projects. Both leaders expressed their determination to intensify bilateral high-level, professional, and business exchanges. Their collaboration is set to extend across various areas, including new and emerging technologies, automobiles, climate change, and defence.

Official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal shared insights on the meeting, highlighting the depth of discussions on X (formerly Twitter), “Deepening India-Czech partnership! PM @narendramodi held a fruitful meeting with PM @P_Fiala of the Czech Republic in Gandhinagar. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and held discussions covering various sectors, including new and emerging technologies, automobiles, climate change, and defence.”

Addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Czech PM Fiala emphasized the vast potential for Czech-Indian collaboration, not only in energy but also in critical sectors like wastewater treatment and sustainable agriculture. His focus on long-term strategic investment underscored the importance of AI research, electromobility, and semiconductors in driving high-tech industries.

The economic ties between India and the Czech Republic have been on an upward trajectory since the latter’s entry into the European Union in 2004. With new mechanisms and diversified interactions, bilateral trade witnessed a substantial surge, reaching over USD 3.16 billion in 2022, a remarkable increase from USD 86 million in 1993 according to Czech statistics.

The bilateral defence cooperation has also seen significant progress since the signing of the MoU on bilateral defence cooperation in October 2003. A Joint Defence Committee has been established, with six meetings held so far, the latest occurring in New Delhi on February 3, 2020. Czech defence companies have been consistent suppliers of military equipment to the Indian armed forces, solidifying the defence ties between the two nations.

Both India and the Czech Republic are actively engaged in niche technologies, leveraging the latter’s strength as an incubator of technologies in strategic sectors. These include defence, nuclear energy, cybersecurity, AI, Big Data, nanotechnology, and laser technology. A notable collaborative achievement in space technology was marked in June 2017 when ISRO successfully launched the Czech nanosatellite, VZLUSAT-1.

The Czech Republic has been a steadfast supporter of India’s international aspirations. It supported India’s full membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and backed its candidacy for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council (UNSC) for 2021-22. Aligning with India’s stance, the Czech Republic advocates for comprehensive UN reforms and supports India’s quest for a permanent UNSC seat.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s visit to India for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, spanning three days from January 10-12, was marked by a warm reception at the airport by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The visit not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations.

A Joint Statement issued by the two countries after their discussions emphasized their commitment to fortify the work of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation. Established under the Agreement on Economic Cooperation signed on June 8, 2010, in Prague, the commission is chaired by the Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India and the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.

Both countries expressed their dedication to fostering innovation cooperation under “Industry 4.0” through the Joint Commission. The commitment extends across various sectors, encompassing engineering, the automotive industry, space activities, air navigation services, clean technologies, information and communication technologies, digital trade, mining, sustainable agriculture, food processing, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, wellness, the Indian system of medicine, waste, and secondary material management.

The defence and cyber security aspect of the partnership was also underlined in the Joint Statement. Both nations stressed the importance of innovation in these fields and expressed satisfaction with the existing connections. They committed to further encouraging cooperation in research and development, training, and innovative production solutions involving Czech and Indian stakeholders.

Furthermore, the two leaders expressed their desire to enhance the dialogue on critical issues such as cyber security, cyber governance, cybercrime, space security, CBRN Defence, and countering hybrid threats. This will be achieved through cooperation between relevant agencies and stakeholders, sharing best practices, skills, and capacity building. Both partners intend to cooperate in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, on cyber matters of mutual interest.

In line with this commitment, both sides are keen to intensify proposed cooperation within the framework of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation. This committee, established by the Agreement on Defence Cooperation signed on October 21, 2003, in Prague, is a testament to the comprehensive nature of defence ties between the two governments.