Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic, on Friday said that Sanskrit has been taught at Croatian universities since 1876, highlighting the deep rooted cultural ties between India and Croatia.
Plenkovic was delivering a lecture titled “Bridging Continents: Croatia and India in a Connected World” at the Convention Hall of the Vice Regal Lodge, DU. Croatian Ambassador to India Peter Ljubicic attended as Guest of Honour. The event was presided over by DU VC Yogesh Singh, along with senior university officials, Croatian ministers and students.
Speaking on bilateral ties, the Croatian Prime Minister said Sanskrit has been taught at Croatian universities since 1876, including at the University of Zagreb, reflecting longstanding academic engagement between the two countries.
He described the academic environment at Delhi University as rich and inspiring, marked by dialogue and coexistence amid diversity, which helps shape global citizens.
Welcoming the Prime Minister, Prof. Yogesh Singh said, “Andrej Plenkovic’s visit will give a new direction to the educational and cultural ties between the two countries.” He noted that this is the first visit by a Croatian Prime Minister to India and Delhi University.
Referring to historical exchanges, Plenkovic recalled Marco Polo, stating that centuries ago travellers and ideas connected Asia and Europe, and today education and knowledge are playing a similar role. Citing Mahatma Gandhi, he said his ideals of non violence, truth and human dignity continue to guide global politics.
The Prime Minister also spoke about Croatia’s economic resilience, noting that despite challenges such as two major earthquakes and the Russia-Ukraine war in 2020, the country maintained steady development. He said Croatia has developed 22 major tourist destinations and is projecting real GDP growth of around 2.3 per cent by 2024.
Highlighting future collaboration, Plenkovic said there is significant potential for cooperation in education, culture, tourism and innovation. He stressed that university level dialogue will strengthen long term partnerships. He added that cooperation is expanding into technology and innovation, including digital partnerships and start up collaboration. Croatia, he said, seeks to learn from India’s experience in digital public infrastructure and start up support, while offering opportunities through the European innovation ecosystem.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said new dimensions of connectivity and strategic cooperation have opened between India and Europe. He also highlighted academic cooperation through an MoU with the Department of Hindi Studies at the University of Zagreb and noted growing trade and tourism between the two countries.
Concluding, Plenkovic praised the curiosity and energy of Delhi University students, saying India-Croatia cooperation can serve as a positive example in an increasingly connected world.