Zagreb: In a profound gesture celebrating the centuries-old intellectual and cultural connection between India and Croatia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a reprint of the first-ever printed Sanskrit grammar authored in Latin in 1790 by Croatian missionary and Indologist Filip Vezdin (also known as Paulinus a Sancto Bartholomaeo), during his landmark visit to Zagreb.

The gift was presented by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who underscored its symbolic importance:

“With this pioneering work, Filip Vezdin became one of the first European scientists to seriously devote himself to Indian languages and culture. This is a symbol of early cultural ties between Croatia and India.”

Vezdin, who arrived in Malabar in 1774, studied Sanskrit under Kerala Brahmins, drawing on local manuscripts to produce the grammar. His work marked a major milestone in the scholarly transmission of Indian linguistic knowledge to Europe. In recognition, a plaque was unveiled in Trivandrum in 1999 to honour his legacy.

In addition to the grammar, PM Modi was gifted a diplomatic and business guidebook titled “Croatia and India: Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business”, authored by Croatian diplomat Sinise Grgica. The book offers a comparative analysis of India-Croatia relations and suggests pathways for deeper cooperation.

“This book reflects our achievements and potential. It will inspire and encourage the strengthening of our future cooperation,” said PM Plenkovic.

Cultural Welcome for a Historic Visit

PM Modi’s arrival in Croatia—the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister—was greeted with an overwhelming outpouring of affection from the Indian diaspora. Crowds lined the streets of Zagreb, waving flags and chanting “Modi-Modi,” “Vande Mataram,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” At his hotel, the Indian leader was welcomed with vibrant cultural performances and Vedic chants.

“The bonds of culture are strong and vibrant! Happy to see Indian culture has so much respect in Croatia,” said PM Modi, joining a local group chanting shlokas.

Modi also acknowledged the contributions of the Indian community in Croatia, estimated at around 17,000 members as of late 2024, many working in construction, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.

“Croatia’s Indian community has contributed to its progress and stayed connected to Indian roots. There is immense enthusiasm among them about this visit and its potential impact on bilateral ties,” the Prime Minister added.

Strengthening Bilateral Foundations

PM Modi’s visit included formal bilateral talks at St. Mark’s Square, where he was ceremonially received again by Prime Minister Plenkovic. Discussions focused on scaling cooperation across trade, innovation, defence, ports, science, cultural exchange, and workforce mobility.

“We are starting a new chapter in Croatia-India relations and creating the conditions for strengthening bilateral cooperation in many areas,” said Plenkovic, calling the visit geopolitically significant.

Analysts agree that the visit signals a turning point in India-Croatia relations, with potential for exponential growth in commerce and strategic coordination, especially as Croatia plays an expanding role within the European Union and the Indo-Pacific framework.

Bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 300 million, with USD 48 million in Indian investments in Croatia. With deepening business and diplomatic links, Croatia is emerging as a niche but strategic partner for India in Europe.

Culture as the Bridge

The handing over of the 1790 Sanskrit grammar to PM Modi serves not only as a gesture of cultural diplomacy but also as a poignant reminder of shared intellectual heritage. In an era of increasingly transactional geopolitics, such gestures underscore the soft power of history, language, and scholarship in building lasting partnerships.

As PM Modi concluded the final leg of his three-nation tour in Zagreb, the warm reception, scholarly exchange, and community engagement marked a promising chapter in India’s widening global presence—and a renewed Indo-European friendship based on shared roots and forward-looking vision.