PM Modi conferred Slovakia’s highest award, total international honours reach 33

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (June 15) was conferred Slovakia’s highest national honour, The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), marking a significant milestone in India–Slovakia relations.

The award, reserved exclusively for foreign citizens, was presented by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini at a ceremony in Bratislava.

This is the 33rd international honour conferred on Prime Minister Modi.

PM Modi dedicates award to Indian people

Accepting the honour, Prime Minister Modi said the recognition belongs to the people of India.

“Honoured to receive The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) in Bratislava this evening. My gratitude to the people and Government of Slovakia for this honour, which belongs to the 140 crore people of India,” PM Modi posted on social media.

He added: “I dedicate this award to the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia.”

Symbol of growing India–Slovakia ties

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi described the award as a reflection of the strong bilateral relationship.

The MEA said PM Modi called it a “testament to the warmth, trust, and affection that unite the people of India and Slovakia,” adding that he hoped the recognition would inspire future generations to strengthen ties between the two nations.

First-ever Indian PM visit to Slovakia

PM Modi is currently on a week-long Europe visit, which includes his first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia.

India–Slovakia partnership across key sectors

Prime Minister Modi and Slovak President Pellegrini discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in areas including digitalisation, innovation, defence, nuclear energy, trade and investment, amid growing strategic engagement between India and Slovakia.

The meeting at the Presidential Palace also featured cultural exchanges and discussions on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

Following the meeting, PM Modi said talks covered a wide range of sectors aimed at strengthening economic and technological ties between the two countries.

“Today's talks with President Pellegrini covered diverse subjects such as closer ties in manufacturing, transport, innovation and investment linkages, energy, biofuels and more,” PM Modi said in a social media post.

He added that digital technology remained a key area of future collaboration.

“There is also immense scope to cooperate in the field of digital technology. We also talked about deepening people-to-people linkages,” he said.

Cultural exchanges at Presidential Palace

The leaders also engaged in cultural activities during the visit, including viewing a painting exhibition by Slovak artists themed around “Varanasi City” at the Presidential Palace.

They also witnessed a yoga demonstration performed by Slovak schoolchildren, highlighting growing cultural connect between the two nations.

Business and strategic cooperation deepens

Earlier, India and Slovakia had elevated their relationship to a comprehensive partnership and signed 11 agreements spanning migration, digital technology, defence, and innovation.

PM Modi also met Slovak business leaders from sectors including railways, defence, automotive, energy, nuclear energy, IT, and healthcare.

“Had insightful discussions on strengthening economic ties, boosting investment flows and expanding collaboration in innovation, technology, manufacturing and more,” PM Modi said after the meeting.

He also highlighted India’s reform trajectory and invited Slovak companies to expand investments in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, semiconductors, AI, and healthcare.