Slovakia Confers Highest National Honour on PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded Slovakia's highest national honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class). Slovak President Peter Pellegrini presented the award in the capital, Bratislava, yesterday. This marks the 33rd international honour conferred upon the Indian Prime Minister.

The visit holds historical significance, as Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to set foot in Slovakia since it became an independent state following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993. He arrived in Bratislava on June 15 during the second leg of his European tour.

Sharing a photograph of the ceremony on social media, Modi stated, "I am deeply honoured to receive the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class) in Bratislava this evening. My gratitude to the people and government of Slovakia on behalf of myself and the 1.4 billion people of India. I dedicate this award to the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia."

The Order of the White Double Cross is Slovakia's highest state decoration, awarded exclusively to foreign citizens for their outstanding contributions to international relations.

Alongside the award ceremony, India and Slovakia elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. The two nations also signed 11 agreements spanning key sectors, including migration, digital technology, and defence.