A key outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Slovakia was the announcement of an India Chair on Artificial Intelligence at a Slovak university, underscoring the growing importance of technology, innovation and digital cooperation in bilateral relations.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort by India and Slovakia to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies and strengthen academic, research and innovation linkages. The AI Chair is expected to facilitate joint research projects, talent development programmes, faculty and student exchanges, and policy dialogue on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and responsible technology deployment.

Speaking during a joint press statement with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that artificial intelligence will play a defining role in shaping future economies and societies. He stressed that the development and deployment of AI must be guided not only by innovation but also by trust, responsibility, transparency and human dignity.

The announcement complements a Memorandum of Understanding on digital technology signed between the two countries, which aims to expand cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, research and development, and emerging digital technologies. Together, these initiatives are expected to create new opportunities for collaboration between academic institutions, technology companies, startups and policymakers in both countries.

Prime Minister Fico also acknowledged India's rapid progress in digitalisation and artificial intelligence, noting that the country has emerged as a global leader in leveraging digital technologies at scale. The AI Chair is expected to build on these strengths while creating a platform for sharing expertise and fostering innovation between Indian and Slovak institutions.

The announcement comes as India continues to strengthen its international partnerships in AI and digital technologies, positioning itself as a key contributor to the global conversation on responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence. By combining academic excellence, technological innovation and policy cooperation, the India Chair on AI is expected to serve as a catalyst for long-term collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two nations.