By – Aditya Shrivastava
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the highest civilian award by Cyprus, further solidifying his stature on the global stage. This recognition follows a series of prestigious awards from nations worldwide, highlighting his growing diplomatic influence and leadership.
Cyprus’ Highest Honour: The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian distinction of Cyprus, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and his significant contributions to strengthening ties between India and Cyprus.
The award was presented by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, who honored Modi for his relentless efforts to foster international cooperation and his significant role in enhancing India’s global stature. The Order of Makarios III is named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, and is awarded for exceptional achievements in both political and diplomatic spheres.
In his acceptance speech, Modi expressed his gratitude to the people and government of Cyprus, calling the award a recognition of not just his leadership but also the aspirations and capabilities of the 1.4 billion people of India. He said, “This honor is a tribute to our shared values, our culture of brotherhood, and the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). It symbolizes our unwavering commitment to peace, security, and regional integrity.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that this award would further enhance the India-Cyprus partnership, contributing to both nations’ progress and fostering a peaceful, secure global environment.
A Series of Global Honors
Prime Minister Modi has now received over 20 prestigious international awards from more than 20 countries. These accolades reflect not only his diplomatic acumen but also India’s rising influence under his leadership.
In March 2023, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Naveen Ramgoolam, awarded Modi the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, a prestigious honor for strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Mauritius. Modi became the first Indian to receive this distinction, marking his 21st international award.
Sri Lanka also joined the list of countries honoring PM Modi when, in April 2023, he was awarded the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Award, a mark of recognition for fostering excellent relations with Sri Lanka.
Recent Honors from Kuwait, Guyana, and Barbados
In December 2023, Kuwait conferred the Order of Mubarak Al Kabir, the country’s highest civilian award, on PM Modi. The honor, bestowed by Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, acknowledged Modi’s efforts to promote peace and bilateral ties with the Gulf nation.
The year also saw recognition from Guyana and Barbados. In November 2023, Guyana awarded Modi the Order of Excellence, while Barbados honored him with the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados, a rare recognition. These awards highlight India’s growing engagement with the Caribbean region and reflect the positive sentiment towards India’s leadership globally.
Honors from the United Nations and Other Countries
In addition to these national awards, PM Modi’s global standing was further affirmed when, in October 2018, he received the UN Champions of the Earth Award from the United Nations, a recognition of his leadership in environmental conservation. Earlier, in 2016, Afghanistan bestowed upon him the State Order of Gazi Amir Amanullah Khan, while Palestine presented him with the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in February 2018.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia were also among the nations recognizing Modi’s global stature in April 2019. The UAE awarded him the Order of Zayed, and Russia honored him with the Order of Saint Andrew, their highest distinctions.
Moreover, the Maldives, Bahrain, Bhutan, United States, and Fiji have also recognized Modi’s diplomatic prowess. In 2020, the US awarded him the Legion of Merit, and Bhutan awarded him the Order of the Dragon King in 2021.
Recent Honors from Egypt, France, and Russia
In June 2023, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi honored PM Modi with the Order of the Nile, Egypt’s highest state award. A month later, France presented him with the Legion of Honour, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has received this prestigious honor. In July 2023, Russia also awarded him the Order of Saint Andrew, the country’s highest civilian award.
Global Diplomacy and Leadership at the Forefront
These continuous recognitions underscore Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and the growing prominence of India in international diplomacy. Under his stewardship, India has cultivated stronger ties with various countries, bolstered by initiatives that promote peace, security, and sustainable development on the global stage.
These international accolades also serve as a testament to Modi’s effective foreign policy, which has been instrumental in securing India’s position as a key global player. By deepening relationships across regions—from Asia to Europe, and the Middle East to the Americas—India is advancing its influence and fostering partnerships that contribute to a more secure and prosperous world.
Conclusion: A Milestone in India’s Global Journey
PM Modi’s latest honor from Cyprus is a significant milestone in his journey as a global leader. This recognition adds to a growing list of awards that affirm India’s increasing influence under his leadership. As he continues to strengthen India’s bilateral and multilateral relationships, the world is taking note of his dynamic diplomacy and leadership style that has resonated with nations across continents.
With more countries acknowledging India’s aspirations through these prestigious honors, it is clear that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a robust and influential India is steadily becoming a reality.