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NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Narendra Modi Becomes Indian PM With Most International Honours
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the most internationally decorated Indian PM in office. During his recent visit to Cyprus, he was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III - the nation's highest civilian honour. After accepting the honour on June 16, PM Modi shared on X (formerly Twitter), "Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations." Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2025 The Cyprus visit was part of his three-nation tour, with his next stop being Canada for the G7 Summit and then Croatia. The latest award from Cyprus takes PM Modi's tally to 28 international honours received from foreign governments during his tenure, a record unmatched by any of his predecessors. The awards acknowledge his leadership and efforts in strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties globally. Former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh were each recipients of two such international distinctions during their time in office. Over the years, PM Modi has been honoured by countries across regions - from the Middle East to Europe and Africa. Among the notable recognitions are the Order of King Abdulaziz from Saudi Arabia and the Order of Amanullah Khan from Afghanistan, both conferred in 2016. In 2018, he received the Order of the State of Palestine, followed by the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin from the Maldives in 2019 and the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance from Bahrain later that year. In 2023, he was honoured with Egypt's Order of the Nile and France's Legion d'Honneur. The momentum continued into 2024 when he received six international awards. So far, in 2025, he has received three honours. His ongoing three-nation visit is PM Modi's first since Operation Sindoor in May when India struck terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack. The four-day conflict ended on May 10 following a ceasefire. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Cyprus is the first by an Indian leader in over two decades. It comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The visit also carries weight given Cyprus's uneasy ties with Turkey - a country that, along with China, backed Pakistan during the recent hostilities with India.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
A quaint road in Delhi gains spotlight after PM Modi is conferred honour in Cyprus
On Monday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Cyprus' one of the highest civilian honour—the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III—it cast a quiet glow on a corner of central Delhi. Tucked behind Lodhi Road, a short, tree-lined stretch named Archbishop Makarios Marg suddenly found itself in the spotlight. The road, renamed in the 1980s, honours Makarios III, the towering figure who served as Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus from 1950 to 1977 and later became the country's first President. He is widely regarded as the founding father of the Republic of Cyprus, leading its transition from British colonial rule. The award Modi received also bears his name, cementing a historical thread between Nicosia and New Delhi—one woven through shared diplomacy and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The Archbishop Makarios Marg, historians recall, was once called Golf Links Road. But in the wake of the 1983 NAM summit hosted in Delhi, it was among several roads rechristened in tribute to international leaders aligned with India's vision. 'A host of important leaders were in Delhi for the summit, including Fidel Castro,' said author Sohail Hashmi. 'Soon after, roads were renamed for them—Josip Broz Tito Marg, Gamal Abdel Nasser Marg, Ho Chi Minh Marg—and Makarios Marg. He was a freedom fighter and central to Cyprus' struggle for independence.' 'Pandit Nehru's role was instrumental in the non-aligned movement and this continued till the 1980s, particularly during Indira Gandhi's time, when India wholly believed in this ideology,' Hashmi added. Prime Minister Modi, accepting the honour in Cyprus on Monday, expressed gratitude to the President and people of Cyprus, dedicating the award to the historic friendship between the two nations. The road named after Makarios is a relic of a diplomatic era that once burned brightly. Political scientist Anuradha Chenoy, former dean at JNU's School of International Studies and now with OP Jindal Global University, said the road-naming spree of the 1980s was a reflection of India's deep commitment to NAM. 'I remember that summit—Fidel Castro, Yasser Arafat, had all come to Delhi,' said Chenoy. 'It was also a time when the city was being reimagined spatially. The Shanti Path diplomatic enclave was coming up, embassies were being consolidated, and roads were named after world leaders who stood for decolonisation and sovereignty. Makarios had passed away not long before. Naming a road after him was part of that ethos.' Congress leader Jairam Ramesh remembered the archbishop's connection to India. In a post on X, he recalled Makarios' visit to India in 1962, where he spent two weeks as a guest of the Nehru government. 'When Pandit Nehru died in 1964, Cyprus declared a national day of mourning,' Ramesh wrote. 'In the early 1980s, a beautiful and busy street in Delhi's Golf Links area was named after him—although his name is split into two parts on the signboard.'
India Gazette
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurates, lays foundation stone of development projects in Kota
Kota (Rajasthan) [India], June 16 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects including a high level bridge over the Kalisindh river in Barod-Budhadit of Kota parliamentary constituency. 'Inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects including a high level bridge over the Kalisindh river in Barod-Budhadit of Kota parliamentary constituency. From bridge construction to new roads, classrooms and new buildings, these works are ensuring that no citizen is deprived of basic amenities,' Om Birla posted on X. Emphasising the significance of the infrastructure, Om Birla said, 'This bridge built between Barod and Chambal Dhipri will now not allow the movement of people to be disrupted during floods, and will connect every village, dhani and farm of the area with a strong road network. This will also directly benefit our food producers, their produce will now reach the markets faster and the pace of development will reach the villages.' 'Many efforts have been initiated from drinking water schemes to health services and making women self-reliant. I am confident that in the coming years, the Kota-Bundi region will play a leading role in Rajasthan's development model and will realize our resolve of 'all-inclusive, all-encompassing' development,' his post added. Earlier in the day, Om Birla congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being awarded the highest civilian award in Cyprus, the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.' Birla said that the award symbolises the efficient leadership of the PM Modi and reflects our country's diplomatic successes. 'Hearty congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being awarded the Republic of Cyprus' highest civilian honour, the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III'. This award not only symbolises the efficient leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, but also reflects our country's cultural richness, policy of peaceful coexistence and diplomatic inspired by this honour from the Prime Minister, more than 140 crore Indians will be more dedicated towards the development of the country and global welfare,' posted Birla on X. The Order of Makarios III, the highest merit honour awarded in Cyprus, is named after Makarios III, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus. It is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides, the government and people of Cyprus for the honour. 'President, for the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, I express heartfelt gratitude to you, the Government of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus. This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians. It is the honour of their capabilities and aspirations. It is the honour of our country's cultural brotherhood and the ideology of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding. On behalf of all Indians, I accept this honour with utmost humility and gratitude,' PM Modi said. He further said, 'This honour symbolises our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of our people. I understand the significance of this honour and accept it as a responsibility towards the relations between India and Cyprus.' He expressed confidence that the ties between two nations will touch new stated, 'I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure global environment.' Christodoulides welcomed PM Modi to the Presidential Palace in Nicosia earlier in the day. The Cypriot President and PM Modi introduced each other to the delegates from their respective countries. PM Modi reached Cyprus on Sunday afternoon (local time), marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the island nation in over two decades. He was received by the Cypriot President at Larnaca International received a heartfelt welcome from the Indian diaspora in Limassol. Upon his arrival, PM Modi, along with Cyprus President Christodoulides, interacted with leading CEOs during the business roundtable. (ANI)
Hans India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
This reflects India's rising stature on global stage: HM Shah on PM Modi getting Cyprus's highest civilian award
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being honoured with Cyprus's highest civilian award, calling it an acknowledgement of his leadership and India's growing diplomatic standing worldwide. 'Congratulations to PM Shri @narendramodi Ji on being conferred with Cyprus's highest civilian award, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III,' said HM Shah in a post on X. Congratulations to PM Shri @narendramodi Ji on being conferred with Cyprus's highest civilian award, the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.'This reflects the continuously rising stature of India on the global stage. This is the 21st international award given to our PM,… — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 16, 2025 'This reflects the continuously rising stature of India on the global stage. This is the 21st international award given to our PM, making him one of the most decorated leaders in India's history,' he said. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Cyprus for conferring upon me 'The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.'This isn't my honour. It is an honour for 140 crore Indians. I dedicate this award to the everlasting friendship between India and… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2025 HM Shah said such honours not only acknowledge his leadership but also strengthen India's diplomatic standing worldwide. Earlier, BJP leader Amit Malviya praised PM Modi's growing international popularity and described his 23 Global Honours as a reflection of the country's global ascent. Malviya, in charge of the BJP's National Information and Technology Department, took to social media to celebrate PM Modi's latest honour and said, 'No Prime Minister of India has ever had such a profound global impact.' 'This is not just about one leader -- it reflects the rise of India's economic strength, strategic clarity, and diplomatic assertiveness on the world stage. And none of it would have been possible without the unwavering trust that 140 crore Indians have placed in Prime Minister Modi's leadership,' he wrote on X. Malviya also reflected upon the shift in the country's diplomacy that has forced the world to acknowledge its potential. 'For the first time, India's foreign policy is unapologetically India First — clear-headed, confident, and consistent. The world is not just watching; it is acknowledging and respecting this new India,' he wrote. Starting from 2016, Malviya listed the 23 global honours conferred on PM Modi over the past decade. From the Saudi Arabia's Order of King Abdulazis in 2016 to the UAE's Order of Zayed Award in 2019, the BJP leader also highlighted the 2020 US government's Legion of Merit awarded to PM Modi. The list of PM Modi's Global Honours also included Bhutan's Order of the Druk Gyalpo in 2021 and Egypt's Order of the Nile, France's Grand Cross of the Legion and Greece's Grand Cross of the Order of Honour, all awarded in 2023. Malviya's list of PM Modi's Honours received last year included Russia's Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Kuwait's The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer and awards given by Guyana, Barbados, Nigeria and Dominica.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Proud Moment For India": BJP As PM Modi Receives Cyprus' Highest Civilian Honour
New Delhi: The BJP on Monday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving Cyprus' highest civilian honour as a "proud moment for India" and said no other PM in the country's history has ever commanded such a "decisive influence" on the global stage as him. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, Union minister Bhupender Yadav said Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the country's highest civilian honour, on the prime minister for his leadership and contributions at international levels. This is the 23rd such international honour that Modi has received so far from various countries, Mr Yadav said. "It is a moment of happiness and pride for all of us that he has received the 23rd such honour at the international level. It is definitely a matter of pride for India as well," the senior BJP leader told reporters. Later, in a post on X, Mr Yadav wrote, "This honour is a testament to the rise of India's economic might, and diplomatic assertiveness in the global community." Hailing the bestowing of Cyprus' highest civilian honour on PM Modi, the BJP wrote on X, "No prime minister in India's history has commanded such decisive influence on the global stage as Shri Narendra Modi." Union minister Nitin Gadkari said this distinguished recognition reflects the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus, built on mutual trust, respect, and common aspirations. "A proud moment for every Indian," Mr Gadkari said in a post on X. "It fills us all with immense pride that our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Cyprus's highest honor, the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III'," he added. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Cyprus bestowing its highest civilian honour upon Prime Minister Modi is a matter of "great pride and joy for India and her people". "This honour is yet another recognition of PM Modi's statesmanship and India's growing stature as a 'vishwa-bandhu'. May this heartwarming gesture further deepen India-Cyprus friendship," Mr Pradhan wrote on X. Union minister Kiren Rijiju hailed the prime minister as a leader who commands global respect, and said the Cyprus' highest civilian honour is recognition of Modi's statesmanship and India's expanding diplomatic footprint across continents. "A leader who commands global respect. PM Narendra Modi receives Cyprus' highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III. A tribute to his statesmanship and Bharat's expanding diplomatic footprint across continents," Mr Rijiju wrote on X. BJP MP and chief spokesperson Anil Baluni also called it a proud moment for Bharat. "PM Narendra Modi has been conferred with 'the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' - the highest civilian honour of Cyprus. Yet another global recognition of PM Modi's decisive and visionary leadership and his growing stature on the world stage," he said in a post on X. The BJP said this moment is not merely the story of a leader, it is the emergence of a resurgent Bharat, driven by economic might, strategic foresight, and a bold, unapologetic foreign policy. "It is the manifestation of what becomes possible when 140 crore citizens place their trust in strong, visionary leadership," the party said on X. "Under PM Modi, India's diplomacy has shed hesitancy and embraced clarity - with India First at its core. For the first time, India speaks in one voice - firm, fearless, and focused on national interest. The world is not only watching - it is realigning itself in response to the rise of New India," it added.
