PM Modi Honoured with Slovakia's Highest Civilian Award

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Slovakia's highest civilian honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), during a historic visit to Bratislava on June 15, 2026. This significant recognition marks the 33rd international award bestowed upon him by a foreign nation, underscoring India's growing diplomatic influence and strengthening bilateral relations. The award was presented to Prime Minister Modi by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini at a special ceremony held in the Presidential Palace in Bratislava. While accepting the honour, Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the President, the Government, and the people of Slovakia, dedicating the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and the enduring friendship between the two nations. This visit was particularly noteworthy as it was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993, signifying a major milestone in India-Slovakia relations. The trip highlighted India's strategic outreach to Central and Eastern Europe, aimed at diversifying partnerships beyond traditional Western European powers. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi engaged in delegation-level talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, where the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on major regional and global developments. A pivotal outcome of these discussions was the elevation of India-Slovakia ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. This new framework is designed to deepen cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and strategic areas. Further solidifying their collaboration, India and Slovakia agreed to establish a 'Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism' to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. This commitment comes in the aftermath of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which both leaders unequivocally condemned. The joint statement emphasized the need for concerted international efforts and strong, decisive action against terrorist entities. Economically, the visit saw the signing of 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across various key sectors. These agreements cover areas such as labour migration, digital technology, higher education and research, audio-visual production, quantum communication, and critical infrastructure protection. An MoU between the National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune, and Slovak Health Spa Piestany was exchanged, and an agreement between IIT Delhi and Slovak Technical University for student exchange and research collaboration was finalized. Additionally, the establishment of the first-ever ICCR Chair in Artificial Intelligence at the Technical University of Kosice was agreed upon, alongside cooperation in tourism. A crucial diplomatic development during the visit was Slovakia's reiteration of its firm support for India's permanent membership in a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Both leaders called for comprehensive reforms of multilateral institutions, including the UN and the UNSC, to make them more representative, inclusive, effective, and aligned with contemporary geopolitical realities. The Order of the White Double Cross is Slovakia's highest state decoration, primarily awarded to foreign nationals who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening ties with Slovakia, promoting its interests abroad, and raising its global profile. The honour recognized PM Modi's significant role in deepening the relationship between India and Slovakia and his broader impact on global diplomacy. The visit also included symbolic gestures, such as PM Modi laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Bratislava to honour Slovakia's fallen soldiers and attending a special yoga session ahead of International Day of Yoga. Prime Minister Modi's reception with the traditional Slovak greeting of bread and salt, along with warm interactions and cultural exchanges, aimed to foster stronger people-to-people ties. The growing Indian diaspora in Slovakia, particularly in IT, manufacturing, and services, further highlights the importance of this relationship. This historic visit is seen as a clear signal of India's assertive foreign policy and its increasing engagement with nations across the globe.

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