Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred Slovakia’s highest national honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), during a ceremony in Bratislava on Monday. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini presented the award in recognition of Modi’s contributions to strengthening ties between India and Slovakia.
The honour marks the 33rd international award received by the Indian Prime Minister. It comes during his historic visit to Slovakia—the first by an Indian Prime Minister since the country gained independence in 1993.
Expressing gratitude after receiving the award, Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and described it as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister said the recognition reflects the warmth, trust and mutual affection shared by the people of India and Slovakia.
The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) is Slovakia’s highest civilian and military state decoration awarded exclusively to foreign citizens. The award is regarded as one of the country’s most prestigious international honours.
During the visit, India and Slovakia also elevated their relationship to a comprehensive partnership, signing 11 agreements covering areas such as digital technology, migration, defence cooperation and other sectors aimed at expanding bilateral engagement.
The visit is being viewed as a milestone in India-Slovakia relations, offering new opportunities for cooperation while reinforcing diplomatic, economic and strategic ties between the two countries.
