Latest news with #Plenkovic
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Croatia ex-health minister charged in $860k corruption case
ZAGREB: Croatia's anti-corruption prosecutors have formally charged former Health Minister Vili Beros and seven others with multiple offences including bribery, money laundering, and abuse of power. The case involves alleged irregularities in health equipment procurement worth over $860,000 (€740,000), with Beros suspected of personally receiving $87,000 (€75,000). Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic dismissed Beros following his arrest last November, underscoring ongoing corruption challenges in the Balkan nation. The indictment accuses the group of operating a criminal network engaged in unlawful favouritism and influence peddling. The European Public Prosecutor's Office initially investigated the eight suspects before Croatian authorities took over the case. Beros becomes the second minister arrested under Plenkovic's government after former construction minister Darko Horvat faced similar charges in 2022. Over a dozen ministers from Plenkovic's HDZ party have resigned since 2016 amid corruption allegations. The scandal has intensified public anger in Croatia, where healthcare system struggles persist. Plenkovic narrowly survived a December no-confidence vote linked to graft controversies. – AFP
Mint
19-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
A ‘special gift' by Croatian PM: What did Modi receive in Zagreb?
During his visit to Zagreb, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a 'special gift' from Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković: a reprint of Vezdin's Sanskrit Grammar. The gesture carries significant cultural significance, symbolising the centuries-old connection between India and Croatia. Vezdin's Sanskrit Grammar is the first printed Sanskrit grammar written in Latin. It was published in 1790 by Croatian scholar and missionary Filip Vezdin during his time in India Prime Minister Plenković also presented Modi with a book on Croatia–India bilateral relations titled Croatia & India: Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business, authored by Croatian diplomat Sinisa Grgic, according to ANI. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation, including trade, investment, and tourism. They signed agreements in areas like agriculture, culture, science, and technology, ANI reported. Plenkovic also recognised India as an important trading partner, saying, 'India is an important Asian trading partner for Croatia.' He also stated that last year, the exchange amounted to 242 million USD, while trade increased by 10% in the first three months of 2025. At the same time, the number of Indian tourists visiting is also growing. With the agreements signed today in different sectors, we want to strengthen cooperation in the ICT, pharmaceutical industry, and maritime transport sectors, said Plenkovic. According to the news agency, earlier in the day, Plenkovic welcomed PM Modi to Zagreb, the Prime Minister of India's first-ever visit to hold delegation-level talks. In a post on X, the Croatian leader said, 'We welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Zagreb! This is the first ever visit by the Prime Minister of India, the most populous country in the world, which comes at an important geopolitical moment. We are starting a new chapter in India-Croatia relations and are creating conditions for strengthening bilateral cooperation in multiple areas and sectors.' PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora here on Wednesday as he arrived at a hotel in Zagreb, Croatia, marking the final stop of his three-nation tour. According to news agency reports, India's visit to Croatia will also underscore its commitment to further strengthening its engagement with European Union partners.
India Gazette
19-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"Today, India stands at vanguard of global progress": Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic hails PM Modi's leadership
Zagreb [Croatia], June 19 (ANI): Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic praised India's growing global leadership, citing its bold and inclusive vision for development, sustainability, and technical innovation. He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's successful hosting of the 2023 G20 summit and the upcoming Global Artificial Intelligence Summit, showcasing its global leadership. He emphasised India's emergence as a strong advocate for the Global South and a powerful voice on the international stage. 'Today, India stands at the vanguard of global progress, guided by a bold and inclusive vision for development, sustainability, and technical innovation. Under your dynamic leadership, India has emerged as a strong advocate for the Global South and a powerful voice on the international stage. Your successful hosting of the 2023 G20 summit, as well as the upcoming Global Artificial Intelligence Summit, which is due in February next year, are shining examples of this global leadership,' said the Croatian PM. Plenkovic emphasised that India's vision for a dynamic future resonates with Croatia's own aspirations, highlighting the potential for cooperation and mutual benefit. 'Croatia commends your enduring efforts to promote peace, foster cooperation, and advance human progress within India and beyond your borders. Your vision of a dynamic future ahead with India deeply resonates with Croatia's own aspirations,' he added. Plenkovic highlighted that as a member of the European Union and NATO, Croatia is well-positioned to strengthen strategic connectivity between the regions, particularly through the Three Seas Initiative. 'As a member of the European Union and NATO and a country committed to innovation, stability and constructive global dialogue, and as the most natural Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe, Croatia is uniquely positioned to play a meaningful role in connecting the Three Seas Initiative, which we will preside over... This connection offers a valuable opportunity to further strengthen strategic connectivity between our regions,' he added. The Three Seas Initiative was born out of a shared interest in developing the transport, energy and digital connections on the European Union's north-south axis to increase the economic growth and resilience of the region. The 3SI format was conceived by the President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and the President of Poland Andrzej Duda in 2015. The first Three Seas Summit was held in 2016 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The Summit initiated annual Three Seas Summits on a presidential level. The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) is a regional cooperation format that brings together 13 European Union member states located between the Adriatic Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The initiative's strategic partners are the United States, Germany, the European Commission and Japan. Regional partners are Ukraine and Moldova. The initiative is designed to promote cooperation in order to contribute to economic growth and energy security, as well as to boost cohesion and unity in Europe. Plenkovic noted the potential for deepening cooperation between Croatia and India in areas such as trade, technology, science, and education. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation in mobility, defense, culture, and tourism. 'During your visit, we have identified numerous avenues to deepen cooperation between our two countries, from trade, technology, science and education to mobility, defence, culture and tourism...,' he added. Plenkovic warmly welcomed PM Modi to Croatia, emphasiSing the enduring friendship and shared commitment to mutual respect, genuine partnership, and common purpose between the two nations. Plenkovic highlighted the historical ties between Croatia and India, mentioning Marco Polo, the legendary explorer born on the Croatian island of Korcula, who introduced India's wonders to the European imagination. 'This evening we are not only celebrating the enduring friendship between Croatia and India, but also reaffirming our shared commitment to a future built on mutual respect, genuine partnership and a deep sense of common purpose... While our diplomatic relations were formally established in 1992, the ties between our peoples reach much further back in time... Through his journey and writings, Marco Polo, the legendary explorer born on the Croatian island of Korcula, helped unveil the wonders of India to the European imagination...,' said the Croatian PM. He noted the significant contribution of Croatian scholar Philip Bezdigi, who authored the first printed grammar of Sanskrit in the 18th century, facilitating Europe's academic engagement with India's linguistic and philosophical traditions. 'As early as the 18th century, Philip Bezdigi, a Croatian scholar and missionary, authored the first printed grammar of Sanskrit, laying the groundwork for Europe's earliest academic engagement with India's profound linguistic and philosophical traditions. At the University of Zagreb, the study of Sanskrit began in 1876, establishing a foundation for cultural dialogue and scholarly exchange that continues to this day,' said Plenkovic. Plenkovic also mentioned Stepan Radic, a Croatian leader inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and philosophy. 'One of Croatia's most influential political leaders, Stepan Radic, found lasting inspiration from the teachings and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi...,' he added. Plenkovic concluded with a toast, celebrating the enduring friendship between Croatia and India and expressing hope for a future built on trust, mutual respect, and shared emphasized the importance of continued learning, inspiration, and cooperation between the two nations, walking together on the path of innovation, understanding, and peace. 'As we raise our glasses this evening, let us celebrate the enduring friendship between Croatia and India. May our partnership continue to flourish, rooted in trust, mutual respect and shared ambition. May our peoples continue to learn from one another, to inspire one another, and to walk together on the path of innovation, understanding and peace. And may the future we build togetherthe art shared success. To the help of Prime Minister Modi. To the friendship between Croatia and India. And to the bright road ahead. Jai Hind...,' said Plenkovic. (ANI)
United News of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
PM Modi holds productive talks with Croatian PM Plenkovic in Zagreb; also meets President Milanovic
Zagreb (Croatia), June 18 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held productive talks with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb today, with the two sides agreeing to work closely in the fields of defence and security, pharma, renewable energy, and IT. Later, PM Modi called on President Zoran Milanovic. He also took a walk, accompanied by the Croatian PM, of the city square. PM Modi is the first ever Indian PM to visit Croatia. PM Modi said in posts on X: 'Held productive talks with my friend, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Zagreb. Our talks covered many sectors, aimed at making the India-Croatia bond even stronger. We will be working closely in the fields of defence and security, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, renewable energy, technology and more. Synergies in areas like semiconductors, shipbuilding, connectivity and more will also be greatly beneficial.' The MEA spokesperson said: 'A new chapter in the India-Croatia relationship. 'PM @narendramodi held productive discussions with PM @AndrejPlenkovic in Zagreb, Croatia. 'The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Croatia bilateral relations & explored avenues to deepen collaboration in sectors like digital technologies, space, renewable energy, defence, maritime infrastructure, tourism and hospitality, amongst others. 'PM thanked Croatia for its steadfast support to India in fighting cross-border terrorism. The leaders also called for further deepening India-EU strategic ties.' A readout said, it is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia and therefore, a historic milestone in India-Croatia ties. On arrival at the historic Banski Dvori palace, Prime Minister was received by Prime Minister Plenkovic and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Earlier in the day, in a special and warm gesture, Prime Minister was welcomed by Prime Minister Plenkovic when he arrived at the airport in Zagreb. The two leaders held delegation level talks. They engaged in wide-ranging discussions on various aspects of the bilateral partnership, including trade and investment, science and technology, defense and security, space, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people ties. The two leaders agreed that there were significant opportunities for increased cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure, ports and shipping, digitalization, AI, renewable energy, Pharma and tourism and hospitality. They noted that popularity of Indian culture, Indology and Yoga in Croatia have brought the people of the two countries closer. Prime Minister conveyed wishes for the celebration of the upcoming International Yoga Day on June 21 to all yoga enthusiasts in Croatia. The leaders noted the recent initiatives at building start-up and innovation partnerships. They recognized the need to encourage greater business-to-business collaboration and facilitate investment partnerships and joint ventures to drive inclusive and sustainable growth in both countries. Towards this objective, Prime Minister Modi suggested that Croatia could leverage India's skilled talent and called for setting up institutional collaboration in the field of mobility. They agreed on the importance of improving connectivity, including through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor [IMEC]. Croatia can serve as India's gateway into Central and Southeastern Europe. The leaders also discussed important regional and global issues of mutual interest. They exchanged views on reform of the United Nations and other international institutions, climate change action and threats posed by terrorism. Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Plenkovic for the strong support and solidarity extended by Croatia to India in its fight against terrorism. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the deepening of India-EU strategic ties and conveyed their support for early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Following the talks, four MOUs in the fields of agriculture, science & technology and culture, and on renewal of a Hindi Chair were signed. A Joint Statement was issued on the occasion. Prime Minister Plenkovic hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Plenkovic to visit India at a mutually convenient time. On the meeting with the President of Croatia, the MEA spokesperson said in a post on X: 'India-Croatia| Laying the foundation for a renewed partnership. 'PM @narendramodi held fruitful talks with President Mr. Zoran Milanović in Zagreb, Croatia. 'The leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthening India-Croatia ties across trade, technology & cultural cooperation and expressed their shared commitment to democratic values & global peace.' UNI RN
India Today
18-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
PM receives reprint of 18th-century Sanskrit grammar from Croatian counterpart
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received a significant cultural gift from his Croatian counterpart, Andrej Plenkovic - a reprint of the first printed Sanskrit grammar written in Latin in 1790. The work, by Croatian scientist and missionary Filip Vezdin during his stay in India, was presented to PM Modi during his visit to Croatia, marking the first-ever trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Modi arrived in Zagreb from Canada, after attending the G7 Summit, on the final leg of his three-nation tour, which also included his visit in Cyprus earlier. His arrival in Croatia is seen as a landmark step in strengthening Indo-Croatian relations. Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic took to social media to highlight the historical and symbolic importance of the gift given to PM Modi. He noted that Vezdin had written the grammar based on the knowledge he acquired from Kerala Brahmins and local Indian manuscripts. Plenkovic called the reprint "a symbol of the early cultural ties between Croatia and India." He added that Vezdin was among the first European scholars to deeply engage with Indian languages and culture. advertisement Welcoming PM Modi to Zagreb, Plenkovic said in another post that the Indian leader's visit came at a crucial geopolitical moment and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the political and economic cooperation of the two countries. He added that India was one of Croatia's key Asian trading partners, with bilateral trade amounting to USD 242 million last figures in the first quarter of 2025 had already shown a 10 percent increase, he added, and noted the growing number of Indian tourists visiting Croatia. Both countries signed agreements aimed at boosting collaboration in agriculture, science and technology, culture, and university partnerships. Plenkovic said Croatia was keen to strengthen ties in sectors such as ICT, pharmaceuticals and maritime transport. He also showcased Croatia's strategic importance as the Mediterranean gateway to Central leaders also held detailed discussions on the ongoing situation in the Middle East and broader global security challenges. Emphasising the need for stronger India-EU relations, Plenkovic reiterated the importance of collective efforts on the global stage. As part of the ceremonial exchange, PM Modi was presented with the book "Croatia & India, Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business", written by Croatian diplomat Dr Sinisa Grgic. The book offers a comparative overview of the two nations and highlights their diplomatic and business engagements. Plenkovic said that the book symbolised the achievements of both countries and expressed hope that it would further inspire cooperation and deepen bilateral response, PM Modi thanked the Croatian Prime Minister for the warm gesture and hospitality. In a post on X, he expressed gratitude for being shown around the historically and culturally rich city centre of Zagreb. He added that his talks with Plenkovic were highly productive, covering a wide range of sectors to reinforce the India-Croatia bond. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that both countries would work closely in areas such as defence and security, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, renewable energy and advanced technologies. He also pointed out future cooperation opportunities in shipbuilding, semiconductors and in his post on X, also extended his condolences to the Indian people and the families affected by the tragic Air India plane crash near Watch
