Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Slovakia’s highest civilian award, the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), during his visit to Bratislava on Monday. The honour marks the 33rd international award bestowed on Modi by a foreign nation and comes during a landmark visit that has further strengthened ties between India and Slovakia.
Modi also became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Slovakia since the country gained independence, making the trip a significant milestone in bilateral relations. This was PM Modi’s 33rd international award.
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Expressing gratitude after receiving the honour, Modi said the award belonged to the 140 crore people of India and dedicated it to the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia.
During the visit, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini welcomed Modi at the Presidential Palace, where the two leaders held discussions on expanding cooperation in areas including trade, technology, defence and strategic affairs. Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials.
THE LEADERS ALSO ATTENDED A SPECIAL YOGA SESSION
Ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, the two leaders also attended a special yoga session organised at the Presidential Palace. Modi later visited a unique exhibition inspired by Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, accompanied by President Pellegrini.
Earlier in the day, Modi held delegation-level talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. The two sides signed Memorandums of Understanding on labour migration and digital technology, reflecting efforts to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Slovakia’s fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Bratislava.
Modi’s visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries, including President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Slovakia in 2025 and President Pellegrini’s visit to India earlier this year, underscoring growing engagement between New Delhi and Bratislava.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
