PM Modi receives France's highest civilian award ‘Legion of Honour’: Countries that have conferred Indian Prime Minister with the highest state award

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has earned a reputation worldwide for his diplomacy and administration. The multiple recognitions from different countries, the most recent being from France, indicate his growing stature as a world leader.  This is the 14th state honour for PM Modi.

PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to France, was conferred with the highest honour of France, the ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour’, by French President Emmanuel Macron, on Thursday, July 13.

It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President @EmmanuelMacron, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for… pic.twitter.com/Nw7V1JVgpb

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 14, 2023

The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour

French President Emmanuel Macron awarded PM Modi with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour at the Elysee Palace in Paris. This is the highest military and civilian award in France. PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this honour, aligning him with internationally renowned leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Angela Merkel.

Other international awards received by PM Modi

Beyond the esteemed ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour’ from France, PM Modi's array of international acknowledgements epitomises the global collaborations India has fostered under his guidance. These honours both reflect his global influence and substantiate India's enhanced reputation at the world stage.

Here is a look at the international awards and honours received by  PM Modi in foreign countries:

Order of Zayed, UAE (2019): This premier civilian honour of the United Arab Emirates, named after its founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, acknowledged PM Modi's contributions in various fields. PM Modi's honour signified the UAE's Year of Tolerance in 2019.

King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, Bahrain (2019): Symbolising growing India-Bahrain ties, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa acknowledged PM Modi's efforts to promote international peace and a sustainable future.

Order of St Andrew, Russia (2019): The Order of St Andrew, Russia's highest state honour, was conferred on PM Modi for boosting the unique strategic partnership between India and Russia.

Seoul Peace Prize, South Korea (2018): Given to PM Modi for his commitment to enhancing international cooperation and economic growth following the success of the 24th Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea.

UN Champions of the Earth Award (2018): The UN's premier environmental honour was awarded to PM Modi for leading initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and pledging to eradicate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.

State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, Afghanistan (2016): PM Modi was conferred with Afghanistan's top civilian honour as a recognition of his efforts to cultivate India-Afghanistan relations.

Collar of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, Maldives (2019): The Maldivian government's top civilian award recognised PM Modi's role in solidifying the amicable relations and collaboration between both countries.

Grand Collar of the State of Palestine (2018): This is Palestine's top order given to foreign dignitaries for their global merit. PM Modi was conferred with this award for his leadership in achieving peace and stability in the region.

Special Class of the Order of King Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia (2016): Saudi Arabia's premier civilian honour was conferred on him acknowledging PM Modi's work in bolstering bilateral ties.

Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit, United States (2020): The highest military award of the United States was given to PM Modi for his contribution in elevating the US-India strategic partnership.

Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan (2021): Bhutan's honour recognises PM Modi's contributions to the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan.

Companion of the Order of Fiji (2023): Fiji's highest honour acknowledging PM Modi's key role in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, Papua New Guinea (2023): PM Modi was honoured for deepening India-Papua New Guinea ties and his global leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Order of the Nile, Egypt (2023): Egypt's top state honour acknowledging PM Modi's efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.