PM Modi Receives Slovakia’s Highest Civilian Honor

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has conferred Slovakia's highest state honor, "The Order of the White Double Cross, First Class," upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This honor from Slovakia marks the 33rd international award received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the President, the government, and the people of Slovakia for this special honor. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993.

While accepting the award, he stated that the honor is dedicated to India's 1.4 billion people and the unbreakable bonds of friendship between India and Slovakia.

The award was established specifically to honor foreign nationals who have rendered exceptional service in developing relations between their countries and Slovakia, or who have significantly enhanced the international reputation of the Slovak Republic.

Amidst the growing strategic engagement between India and Slovakia, Prime Minister Modi and Slovak President Pellegrini discussed enhancing mutual cooperation in sectors such as digitalization, innovation, defense, nuclear energy, trade, and investment.

Painting Exhibition Based on the "City of Varanasi"

During the visit, the leaders also participated in cultural activities, including viewing an exhibition of paintings based on the "City of Varanasi" created by Slovak artists at the Presidential Palace.

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

History of the Slovak Award:

This honor was formally instituted on March 1, 1994, following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia (the "Velvet Divorce") and the formation of an independent Slovak Republic in 1993. 

State Honors Conferred on the Prime Minister of India (2026)

Slovak Republic – The Order of the White Double Cross, First Class

Dominica – Dominica Award of Honour

Guyana – The Order of Excellence

Barbados – Honorary Freedom of Barbados

Key India-Slovakia Agreements

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both countries announced the formation of a 'Joint Working Group' to combat terrorism and agreed to establish a 'Consular Dialogue Mechanism' to enhance cooperation on consular matters (issues concerning citizens).

India and Slovakia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 'Labour Migration' to facilitate the movement of professionals and skilled workers.

Additionally, a 'Letter of Intent' on defense cooperation was signed, aiming to promote joint development, joint production, and collaboration between the defense industries of both nations.

Agreements were also reached in several other sectors during the visit, including digital technology, higher education and research, and audio-visual production.

Both sides also announced the establishment of the first 'Indian Council for Cultural Relations' (ICCR) Chair in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Technical University of Kosice.