Bratislava/New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), Slovakia’s highest national honour awarded to foreign citizens, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to strengthening India-Slovakia relations and supporting Slovakia’s foreign policy interests on the global stage.
The prestigious award was presented by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini during a special ceremony held in Bratislava, marking a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the two nations.
With this recognition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now received 33 international honours from countries across the world, reflecting India’s expanding global influence and diplomatic engagement under his leadership.
Expressing gratitude after receiving the award, Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia.
“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. I dedicate this award to the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia,” the Prime Minister said in a social media post.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Modi described the award as a symbol of the warmth, trust, and mutual respect that characterize relations between the two countries. He expressed hope that the honour would inspire future generations to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the recognition, calling it a reflection of Modi’s leadership in deepening bilateral ties and enhancing India’s engagement with Europe.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said the honour underscores the Prime Minister’s role in strengthening the India-Slovakia partnership and opening new avenues for cooperation. He added that the award, coupled with Modi’s historic visit to Slovakia, would provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations.
The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) is Slovakia’s highest civilian and military state decoration bestowed exclusively upon foreign nationals for exceptional contributions to international relations and cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi is currently on a week-long visit to Europe, with Slovakia being a key stop on the diplomatic tour. The visit is particularly significant as it marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European nation.
Earlier during the visit, India and Slovakia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership and signed 11 agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in several strategic sectors, including migration and mobility, digital technology, defence, innovation, trade, and economic collaboration.
The agreements are expected to strengthen bilateral engagement and create new opportunities for investment, technological cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Diplomatic observers view the award and the upgraded partnership as indicators of the growing importance of India’s relations with European nations and New Delhi’s expanding role in global affairs.
