Czech Republic can be key partner for India's development initiatives: President

The Czech Republic, a manufacturing "powerhouse" with advanced technology base, can be a key partner for India's development initiatives, President Ram Nath Kovind has said, referring to footwear major Bata, a brand with which all Indians have grown up.

Addressing the Indian community here on Thursday, the president said
Recalling other connections with this city, he said, "Our great leader Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose visited Prague and spent some time here. In his quest for freedom for his motherland, he founded the Indo-Czech Association in Prague in 1934."
"Both our countries have inherited a rich cultural heritage, which has gained vibrancy over the years. The Charles University here is the oldest centre of Indology in Europe. Eminent Czech scholars brought the works of Rabindranath Tagore to the Czech people and helped foster a deep cultural connect with India."
He said, "the Czech Republic, a manufacturing powerhouse with advanced technology base, can be a key partner for our Make In India, Digital India, Start-up India and other national programmes."