Union Minister Jitin Prasada concluded a high-level two-day official visit to the Czech Republic on April 23, 2026, aimed at deepening bilateral trade and industrial cooperation. During the visit, he co-chaired the 13th session of the India-Czech Republic Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) in Prague. This mission underscored the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two nations, focusing on innovation and technology-driven industries.
13th Session of the India-Czech Republic JCEC
The co-chairing of the 13th JCEC session by Jitin Prasada and his Czech counterpart, Jan Sechter, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, marked a significant milestone in diplomatic relations. The discussions centered on reviewing the existing economic framework and identifying new avenues for collaboration. A formal Protocol of the 13th India-Czechia JCEC was signed during the event, providing a structured roadmap for future economic and industrial engagements.
Strengthening Bilateral Economic Ties
The visit also saw the inauguration of the India-Czech Business Forum in Prague. This forum serves as a vital platform for promoting mutual investment and strengthening Business-to-Business (B2B) linkages. It brought together industry leaders from both countries to explore partnerships in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. The primary goal is to create a conducive environment for companies to collaborate and expand their presence in each other’s markets.
Focus on Innovation and Industrial Cooperation
Beyond formal meetings, the Union Minister engaged with senior Czech leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček. The discussions emphasized the need for joint research and development in cutting-edge fields. Key focus areas identified include Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and advanced laser science. These sectors are viewed as the pillars of the future economic relationship, leveraging the Czech Republic’s industrial expertise and India’s growing technological prowess.
Industrial and Research Engagements
To further encourage industrial synergy, the Indian delegation visited prominent facilities such as Škoda Transportation in Plzeň and Škoda Auto. These visits provided a firsthand look at the Czech Republic’s manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the automotive and engineering sectors. The Minister also toured the ELI Beamlines Laser Facility and the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC CTU), highlighting the potential for academic and research-driven partnerships between the two countries.
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Jitin Prasada co-chaired the 13th session of the India-Czech Republic JCEC in Prague in April 2026.
- A formal Protocol was signed to advance bilateral economic relations and industrial collaboration between India and the Czech Republic.
- The India-Czech Business Forum was inaugurated to facilitate Business-to-Business (B2B) linkages and mutual investment.
- Strategic sectors identified for future cooperation include Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and advanced laser science.
- The visit featured industrial tours to major Czech companies like Škoda Auto and research institutions like the ELI Beamlines Laser Facility.
