Slovenia has signed eight new agreements with India, underlining a number of opportunities for enhanced cooperation in various fields, from business and tourism to culture, science and sports.

Slovenian state secretary Simonia Leskovar and her counterpart from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Anumula Gitesh Sarma underscored the need for dialogue and for a robust, well-functioning multilateral framework to rise to the challenges facing the international community. They both view respect for human rights as fundamental in the peaceful resolution of disputes.

In particular, Slovenia will strive to enhance cooperation with India during its EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2021.

The business environment in Slovenia offers Indian firms good investment opportunities with access to the EU, Schengen area and eurozone, as well as a well-educated workforce. Hi-tech, niche business segments in particular are viewed as having great potential.

Total bilateral trade between Slovenia and India increased in 2018 by 33.79 per cent, from 270.01 million euros to 361.25 million euros.