Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Slovakia's highest state of honour, 'The Order of the White Double Cross, First Class', on 15 June 2026. President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini presented the award during PM Modi's historic visit to Slovakia's capital Bratislava. With this visit, PM Modi became the first ever Indian PM to visit Slovakia since the country's independence in 1993.
PM Modi shared on the social media platform X, "Honoured to receive The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) in Bratislava this evening." He dedicated the award to the 140 crore people of India. "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," he added.
Related Stories
What is 'The Order of the White Double Cross' that PM Modi was awarded with?
PM Narendra Modi, on 15 June 2026, received Slovakia's highest national award, 'The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class)'.
'The Order of the White Double Cross' is Slovakia's highest state decoration, which is presented by the President of Slovakia. The Order of the White Double Cross is awarded only to foreign citizens.
The Order of the White Double Cross was instituted on 1 March 1994 after Slovakia gained independence on 1 January 1993. This award carries the legacy of the Czechoslovak Order of the White Lion, which was created in 1922 as an award for foreigners.
The Order of the White Double Cross has two divisions, civil and military. The award has three classes: First Class, Second Class, and Third Class.
Why is 'The Order of the White Double Cross' awarded?
The Order of the White Double Cross is awarded to foreign citizens to recognise their exceptional efforts for the development of relations with Slovakia, support of foreign policy efforts, and the enhancement of Slovakia's international standing.
How many international honours have been awarded to PM Modi by a foreign country?
With the Slovakia's highest state honour 'The Order of the White Double Cross', it marks the 33rd international award conferred on PM Modi by a foreign country.
Few of the 33 international honours conferred upon PM Modi include:
- Order of St. Andrew (Russia)
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (France)
- Order of the Druk Gyalpo (Bhutan)
- Order of Zayed (United Arab Emirates)
- Legion of Merit (United States)
PM Modi's Visit to Slovakia: Key Points Discussed
During his visit to Slovakia, PM Modi met with Slovakia's PM Robert Fico to discuss cooperation in AI, railways, green technology, space, automobiles, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing. Both India and Slovakia elevated their ties to a 'Comprehensive Partnership'. PM Modi also held talks with Slovakia's President Pellegrini, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in energy innovation, manufacturing, biofuels, transport, digital technology and investment.