New Delhi, June 14 -- a ceremonial welcome at Bratislava Castle, delegation-level talks, a meeting with President Peter Pellegrini, and a state banquet. None of those events would, on their own, explain why Modi chose Slovakia for one of six stops on his most consequential European tour since taking office for a third term.

The explanation lies in what Bratislava has been selling to New Delhi. Slovakia is a traditional supplier of military technology to India, and the relationship has evolved from straightforward procurement into co-production partnerships. The two governments are expected to discuss cooperation on light tanks, Future Ready Combat Vehicles, 155-millimetre self-propelled howitzers, advanced turret systems, and remote-cont...