HM Amit Shah hails PM Modi’s Slovak honour as testament to India’s global leadership

New Delhi/Bratislava, June 16 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being conferred with Slovakia’s highest state honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class), describing it as “another grand moment of pride for India.”

Taking to social media platform X, Amit Shah wrote: “Congratulations to PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji on being conferred with Slovakia’s highest honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class). This 33rd honour stands as a testament to your statesmanship, which has built bridges of friendship across the globe and elevated India’s stature as a global leader.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two‑day state visit to Slovakia, held at the invitation of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, marked the first‑ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence in 1993.

MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George underscored the significance of the trip, calling it “a historic day for India‑Slovakia relations.”

PM Modi’s engagements included bilateral talks with Prime Minister Fico, a meeting with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini at the Presidential Palace, and a state banquet hosted in his honour.

In a special gesture, President Pellegrini conferred the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class) upon PM Modi, citing his “exceptional contribution in building India‑Slovakia relations.”

PM Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and Slovakia, emphasising their role in strengthening the partnership.

This recognition is the 33rd international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by foreign governments, adding to a growing list that includes prestigious awards such as the Order of St Andrew (Russia), the Legion of Honour (France), the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia), and the Companion of the Order of Fiji.

The two Prime Ministers discussed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on pressing global issues. Key topics included: the ongoing Ukraine conflict; the situation in West Asia; and the recently concluded India‑EU Free Trade Agreement, which has generated new momentum in ties between India and the European Union, including Slovakia.

Both leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive partnership, signalling deeper cooperation in defence, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital innovation.

–IANS

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