'Remarkable Symbol': PM Modi Receives 'Special Gift' From Croatian Counterpart

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Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic gifted PM Narendra Modi a reprint of Vezdin's Sanskrit Grammar, highlighting historic cultural ties.
Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'special gift": a reprint of Vezdin's Sanskrit Grammar, highlighting the historic cultural ties between Croatia and India through this significant work on Indian languages and culture.
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 country.
Vezdin's Sanskrit Grammar is the first printed Sanskrit grammar written in Latin in 1790 by Croatian scientist and missionary Filip Vezdin during his time spent in India.
Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic took to social media to highlight the historical and symbolic importance of the gift given to PM Modi. 'I presented to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a reprint of Vezdin's Sanskrit Grammar – the first printed Sanskrit grammar, written in Latin in 1790 by Croatia scientist and missionary Filip Vezdin (1748-1806), based on the knowledge he gained while living in India from Kerala Brahmins and local manuscripts."
He added that Vezdin was among the first European scholars to deeply engage with Indian languages and culture.
Responding to this, PM Modi posted on X, 'Thank you, Prime Minister Plenković. This is indeed a remarkable symbol of the enduring intellectual and cultural bonds between India and Croatia! May these bonds get even stronger in the times to come."
Thank you, Prime Minister Plenković. This is indeed a remarkable symbol of the enduring intellectual and cultural bonds between India and Croatia! May these bonds get even stronger in the times to come. @AndrejPlenkovic https://t.co/zL39djuWGO — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 19, 2025
Prime Minister Modi also presented an exquisitely handcrafted gift to Croatian PM Plenković and President Zoran Milanovic during his visit. As a symbol of India's rich artistic heritage, PM Modi gifted a handmade Pattachitra Painting to Croatian President Zoran Milanović.
Pattachitra is a beautiful traditional art form from Odisha, known for its detailed and colourful paintings on cloth. The name comes from 'patta" (cloth) and 'chitra" (picture).
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 year.
He added that trade figures for the first quarter of 2025 had risen by 10%, and highlighted the increasing number of Indian tourists travelling to Croatia.
Croatia and India signed agreements to enhance cooperation in areas like agriculture, science and technology, culture, and university partnerships. Plenkovic expressed interest in deepening ties in ICT, pharmaceuticals, and maritime transport, highlighting Croatia's strategic location as a Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe.
PM Modi was presented with the book 'Croatia & India, Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business", written by Croatian diplomat Dr Sinisa Grgic as part of the ceremonial exchange. 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 ties.
PM Modi stated that India and Croatia would collaborate closely in defence, security, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, renewable energy, and advanced technologies, with potential future cooperation in shipbuilding, semiconductors, and connectivity.
In a post on X, Plenkovic also extended his condolences to the Indian people and the families affected by the tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad.
First Published:
June 19, 2025, 14:08 IST

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