Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Zagreb, Indian companies have submitted bids totaling €1.1 billion for major infrastructure projects in Croatia, including railway and highway developments. This move positions India as a competitive alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the Balkans.
During his June visit to Zagreb, Prime Minister Modi engaged in discussions with Croatian leaders, emphasizing the importance of enhancing maritime trade routes to the Mediterranean. In the aftermath, Indian firms have actively participated in bidding processes for significant infrastructure projects in Croatia. Notably, Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. has submitted the lowest bid of €620 million for a major railway reconstruction project, while competing against a Chinese consortium led by China Road and Bridge Corporation for highway construction contracts. These developments underscore India’s growing influence in European infrastructure, challenging China’s established presence in the region.
Conclusion: India’s strategic engagement in Croatia’s infrastructure sector, marked by substantial investment bids, reflects a concerted effort to counterbalance China’s BRI influence in Europe. As global infrastructure dynamics evolve, India’s proactive approach may redefine its role in international development partnerships.
