Slovak Republic strengthens ties with India with the inauguration of its Honorary Consulate in Kolkata

Kolkata, March 20, 2025 – The Republic of Slovakia officially inaugurated its Honorary Consulate in Kolkata, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing bilateral trade, industrial collaboration, and diplomatic engagement with India, particularly West Bengal and Eastern India. As part of this diplomatic expansion, Mr. Vivek Lohia, Managing Director of Jupiter Group, has been appointed as the Honorary Consul General of the Slovak Republic in Kolkata.  

With extensive experience in the industrial and logistics sectors, Mr. Lohia is well-positioned to facilitate business collaborations, investment opportunities, and stronger ties between Slovakia and India, particularly in engineering, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

The inauguration was attended by a high-profile Slovak delegation, including:

• H.E. Mr. Juraj Blanar, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
• H.E. Mr. Ladislav Kamenicky, Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic
• H.E. Mr. Rastislav Chovanec, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
• H.E. Mr. Róbert Maxian, Ambassador of Slovakia to India
• H.E. Mr. Marián Kéry, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Slovak Republic
• Mr. Vivek Lohia, Honorary Consul General of the Slovak Republic, Kolkata

The establishment of the Honorary Consulate in Kolkata comes at a time when Slovakia, a globally recognized hub for industrial innovation and manufacturing, is looking to expand its footprint in the Indian market. West Bengal, historically known for its excellence in engineering, manufacturing, and logistics, provides an ideal gateway for Slovak businesses seeking collaboration in India.

India and Slovakia have enjoyed warm diplomatic relations, with growing bilateral trade and investment opportunities in automobiles, industrial manufacturing, defence, energy, and infrastructure development. Slovakia’s expertise in automotive production and high-tech industrial solutions aligns seamlessly with India’s focus on strengthening its industrial and engineering sectors.

During the delegation’s visit, discussions focused on expanding trade partnerships, increasing investments, and facilitating new business ventures. The Honorary Consulate in Kolkata will now act as a facilitator for Slovak enterprises aiming to explore opportunities in the region.

The newly inaugurated consulate will serve as a bridge for economic and cultural cooperation, with a focus on:

• Serve as a bridge for business collaborations and trade partnerships between India and Slovakia and especially, eastern India
• Facilitate cultural and educational exchanges, promoting stronger people-to-people ties.
• Provide support and assistance to Slovak businesses and citizens in eastern India.
• Strengthen cooperation in engineering, automotive, and manufacturing sectors where both nations have strong expertise.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Vivek Lohia, Honorary Consul General of the Slovak Republic in Kolkata, stated “The Honorary Consulate in Kolkata marks a new chapter in Indo-Slovak relations. With Slovakia’s industrial prowess and West Bengal’ strategic position as an engineering and manufacturing hub, we see immense potential for collaboration. This consulate will play a crucial role in fostering trade, investment, and cultural ties between the two nations.”

As India continues to emerge as a global manufacturing powerhouse, Slovakia’s interest in strengthening its presence in the region is expected to unlock new business opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to economic growth for both countries.

With the establishment of the Honorary Consulate in Kolkata, Slovakia and India embark on an exciting new chapter, positioning Eastern India as a key region for enhanced bilateral trade, industrial collaboration, and cultural exchange.

About Jupiter Wagons Ltd. (JWL) (BSE: 533272; NSE: JWL)

Jupiter Wagons Limited (JWL) is a provider of comprehensive mobility solutions, with diverse offerings across Freight Wagons, Locomotives, Commercial Vehicles, ISO Marine Containers, and products such as Couplers, Draft Gears, Bogies, CMS Crossings, Brake Disc, Brake System, Wheels, Axles and Wheel sets.  JWL has manufacturing facilities located in Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Indore, Jabalpur and Aurangabad with full backward integration to its foundry operations. The Group has established partnerships with leading global companies such as Tatravagonka (Slovakia), DAKO-CZ (Czech Republic), Kovis Proizvodna (Slovenia), Telleres Alegria S.A (Spain).

With a rich legacy over four decades, the Company has leveraged its deep technological capabilities and robust financial position to emerge as a one-stop shop for mobility solutions and reinforce its position as one of the fastest growing within the industry. Catering to industries such as Railways, Automobile, Transportation, Logistics, Construction Equipment, Municipalities, Healthcare, Energy, Mining and Infrastructure, the Company boasts a marquee client base including the Indian Railways, American Railroads, Indian Ministry of Defense, BEML, Alstom, Tata Motors, GE, Volvo Eicher Motors. For more details, please visit www.jupiterwagons.com