Slovakia's Top Honour, Hailed by NDA as a Moment of National Pride
Leaders of the ruling NDA have described the conferring of Slovakia's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of the White Double Cross (First Class)', on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a moment of pride for the entire country. They see the recognition as a clear sign of India's diplomatic success and its steadily rising influence on the world stage.
'An Honour for 140 Crore Indians'
Speaking to the media in Patna, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said that when a country's highest honour goes to the Prime Minister, it no longer belongs to him alone but becomes the honour of all of India and its 140 crore citizens. He attributed the recognition to PM Modi's visionary leadership, India's strengthening global identity, and his commitment to peace and human welfare.
According to Paswan, this is the 33rd international honour received by the Prime Minister, which he said is proof that India's voice today is more influential and respected than ever before. He added that PM Modi has given the country's development fresh momentum, which is why many nations are praising India's policies and achievements. Reacting to the US-Iran agreement, he said every country wanted the tension to end quickly because it was directly affecting the global economy and trade.
JDU MP Sanjay Jha also welcomed the honour, saying India's credibility has grown worldwide over the past 12 years. He said that more than 30 countries conferring their highest civilian honours on PM Modi proves that India stands in a very strong position on the global stage. According to Jha, the honour is not limited to the Prime Minister alone but is tied to the pride of the whole nation.
A Glimpse of Banaras in Bratislava
On Tuesday, PM Modi viewed an exhibition centred on Varanasi at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava. The painting exhibition included works by Slovak artists who had recently returned from a visit to Varanasi. After seeing it, the Prime Minister stressed the cultural ties between India and Slovakia, saying art and culture hold a unique power to bring people and nations closer to one another.
Sharing his experience on the social media platform X, he wrote: 'A Banaras connect in Bratislava! Yesterday, at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, President Peter Pellegrini and I saw a wonderful exhibition based on Varanasi, which also featured the work of Slovak artists who recently travelled to the city. Art and culture truly have a unique ability to bring people closer. My best wishes to everyone whose work was displayed at this exhibition.'
Modi Moved by Schoolchildren's Yoga Display
The Prime Minister said that he and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini were delighted to watch a special yoga demonstration presented by schoolchildren from Slovakia. Held just ahead of International Yoga Day, the performance showed how rapidly yoga's appeal and acceptance are growing across the world.
On X, he wrote: 'President Pellegrini and I were delighted to witness a special Yoga demonstration by schoolchildren from Slovakia. As the world counts down to International Yoga Day, it is delightful to see the youth embrace Yoga, and it is also a joy to see Yoga bringing people together in a shared pursuit of good health.'
Departed Geneva, Now Bound for the G7 in Evian
After his visit to Geneva in Switzerland, PM Modi has now left for Evian in France. On arriving in Geneva he was welcomed by Swiss President Guy Parmelin, and the two sides discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual cooperation. At the G7 Summit in Evian, leaders of the world's major economies will deliberate on the global economy, security, energy and geopolitical challenges. Although India is not a G7 member, the world will be watching the Prime Minister's presence as an important partner country.
The Most Anticipated Meeting: Trump on June 17
The biggest focus of this France visit is the meeting with US President Donald Trump scheduled for June 17. The two leaders are expected to hold significant discussions on shifting developments in West Asia, the US-Iran agreement, the Hormuz crisis, global energy security and trade relations.
After this, at 8:50 PM Indian time, the Prime Minister will meet the Prime Minister of Canada. Separate talks are then lined up with the leaders of the United Kingdom at 9:25 PM and the United Arab Emirates at 10:05 PM. These meetings are likely to take up issues of trade, investment, technology, energy and strategic partnership.
The Prime Minister will also attend a special gala dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The event begins at 12 midnight on June 17 Indian time, where several top world leaders will interact in an informal setting.
India Welcomed First Among Partner Countries at the G7
On reaching Evian, French President Emmanuel Macron will give PM Modi an official welcome at 6:15 PM Indian time. Notably, after the G7 nations, India's Prime Minister will be the first among the invited partner countries to be welcomed, something seen as a reflection of India's growing stature on the global stage.
This will be followed by a work meeting from 6:45 PM to 8:45 PM, attended by leaders of the G7 nations along with partner countries and representatives of the World Bank and the African Development Bank. The main focus of the meeting will be forging new global partnerships and further strengthening international cooperation.
