When leaders from Kuwait, France, Papua New Guinea, and over two dozen other nations bestow their highest civilian honours upon the Prime Minister of India, it reflects more than diplomatic courtesy. It signifies global recognition of a nation’s growing influence, values, and leadership.
These 29 distinguished awards—conferred across continents—speak to India’s rising stature on the world stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They acknowledge not only strategic partnerships but also India’s contributions to peace, sustainability, development, and global cooperation.
ASIA
Asia Honours India: Trust, Tradition & Transformative Leadership
Across Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been recognised not just as a statesman, but as a trusted neighbour and visionary leader. The civilian honours awarded to him reflect India’s growing role as a stabilising, supportive force in the region—rooted in shared history, culture, and a commitment to progress.
Sri Lanka – Mithra Vibhushana (April 2025)
PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian to receive the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, the highest honour bestowed by Sri Lanka on foreign leaders. Instituted in 2008 by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the award recognises exceptional friendship and solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka, and ranks above all other national honours, including the Sri Lanka Rathna. The honour includes a silver medal adorned with nine Sri Lankan gems (Navarathna), featuring symbols of prosperity, shared Buddhist heritage, and deep cultural ties—symbolising the strength and renewal of the India–Sri Lanka relationship under PM Modi’s leadership.
Bhutan – Order of the Druk Gyalpo (March 2024 & Dec 2021)
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian honour, by His Majesty the King of Bhutan at a public ceremony in Thimphu—making him the first foreign leader to receive this prestigious award. Originally announced during Bhutan’s 114th National Day in December 2021, the honourrecognises PM Modi’s visionary, people-centric leadership and his pivotal role in strengthening the deep-rooted India–Bhutan friendship. The citation also lauded India’s growing global influence under his leadership. PM Modi dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of Bharat, calling it a symbol of the exceptional bond between the two nations.
Maldives – Nishan Izzuddeen (June 2019)
During his first foreign visit after re-election in June 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen, the Maldives’ highest honour for foreign dignitaries, by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Malé. The award reflects the Maldives’ deep appreciation for PM Modi’s commitment to strengthening India–Maldives ties and highlights the success of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy in fostering regional partnerships.
Afghanistan – Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan Award (June 2016)
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred the Amir Amanullah Khan Award, Afghanistan’s highest civilian honour, by President Ashraf Ghani during the inauguration of the Afghan-India Friendship Dam in Herat on June 4, 2016. Named after Afghanistan’s national hero who led the country to independence, the award honours exceptional service to the Afghan people. PM Modi is the first Indian and among a select few foreign leaders to receive this honour, reflecting his personal commitment to strengthening India–Afghanistan ties and advancing regional peace, development, and friendship.
MIDDLE EAST
From Gulf to Mediterranean - India's Growing Clout in the Middle East
Cyprus – Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III (May 2025)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the “Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III,” Cyprus’s highest civilian honour, by President Nikos Christodoulides. Accepting the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, PM Modi expressed gratitude and dedicated the honour to the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus, rooted in shared values and mutual trust. He highlighted the recognition as a tribute to India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—"The World is One Family"—and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and promoting global peace and cooperation.
Kuwait – Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer (Dec 2024)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Kuwait's highest national award, by His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait. The award was presented during a historic visit—the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years—and marked a significant moment in India-Kuwait relations. Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honor to the long-standing friendship between the two nations, the Indian community in Kuwait, and the 1.4 billion people of India. A high point in West Asian engagement, this award underlined India’s role in energy security and Indian diaspora welfare
Bahrain – King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (August 2019)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the prestigious King Hamad Order of the Renaissance by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Bahrain, received the honor in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. In his acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to the people of India and emphasized the deep-rooted ties between India and Bahrain. On the same day, Prime Minister Modi was also awarded the UAE’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Order of Zayed’, by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting his pivotal role in fostering strong India-Gulf partnerships.
UAE – Order of Zayed (August 2019)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the ‘Order of Zayed’, the highest civilian award of the United Arab Emirates, in recognition of his pivotal role in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the UAE. The award was conferred by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. Expressing gratitude, Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and to the country's cultural ethos. The award, named after the UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, held special significance as it was presented in his birth centenary year. Modi’s visit further deepened the warm, multi-faceted ties between the two nations, supported by strong trade relations and a vibrant Indian community of 3.3 million in the UAE. A landmark moment. UAE’s highest civilian award came amid rapidly expanding bilateral trade, strategic convergence on terrorism, and mutual respect between PM Modi and the Emirati leadership.
Palestine – Grand Collar of the State (Feb 2018)
On February 10, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the ‘Grand Collar of the State of Palestine’ by President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to receive the honour during an official visit to Palestine. The award, the highest Palestinian recognition for foreign dignitaries, acknowledged Modi’s leadership and his efforts to strengthen India-Palestine ties, as well as his support for the Palestinian people’s right to independence and peace in the region.
Saudi Arabia – King Abdulaziz Sash (April 2016)
In April 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the King Abdulaziz Sash, one of Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honours. The recognition came as PM Modi elevated India-Saudi ties from a transactional relationship to a strategic partnership, with significant progress in areas such as defence cooperation, counterterrorism, and investment. The honour underscored the growing mutual trust and collaboration between the two nations.
AFRICA
From the Nile to the Niger - Africa Recognises India’s Rising Global Role
Mauritius – Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (Mar 2025)
On March 12, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K), the highest civilian award of Mauritius, during the country’s 57th National Day celebrations. This marked the first time an Indian leader was honoured with this distinction. President Dharambeer Gokhool conferred the award, which Prime Minister Modi dedicated to the strong and enduring friendship between India and Mauritius, as well as to the people of both nations. During the celebrations, an Indian Navy marching contingent participated in the parade, and an Indian Naval Ship made a port call in Mauritius, further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
Nigeria – Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (Nov 2024)
On November 17, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Nigeria's second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. PM Modi became only the second foreign dignitary to receive this prestigious award, after Queen Elizabeth II in 1969. Expressing gratitude, Modi dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and the longstanding friendship between India and Nigeria. During his visit, PM Modi discussed strengthening cooperation in sectors like energy, agriculture, security, fintech, and small enterprises, while emphasizing the shared priorities of the Global South. This visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years.
Egypt – Order of the Nile (June 2023)
On June 25, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Egypt's highest state honour, the Order of the Nile, by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in a special ceremony at the Presidency in Cairo. PM Modi is the first Indian to receive this prestigious award. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to President El-Sisi on behalf of the people of India. The same day PM Modi visited Egypt's historic al-Hakim Mosque and the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cairo. This marked the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt in 26 years.
EUROPE
From Athens to Paris to Moscow - European Salute to India’s Leadership
Russia – Order of St. Andrew (July 2024)
On July 9, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Russia’s highest national award, The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, from President Vladimir Putin in a special ceremony at St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin. The award, which was announced in 2019, was conferred on Modi in recognition of his contributions to strengthening India-Russia ties. Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and the longstanding friendship between the two nations, emphasizing the significance of their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. This award, instituted over 300 years ago, marks the first time an Indian leader has been honoured with this distinction.
France – Legion of Honour (July 2023)
On July 13, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with France's highest civilian and military honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, by President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. This prestigious award, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, places PM Modi among prominent world leaders such as Nelson Mandela, King Charles, and Angela Merkel. During the ceremony, Modi thanked President Macron for the honour, which reflects the strong India-France partnership.
Greece – Grand Cross of the Order of Honour (Aug 2023)
On August 25, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by President Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou of Greece. Modi became the first foreign Head of Government to receive this prestigious award. During the ceremony, held at the Presidential Mansion in Athens, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude on behalf of the people of India to President Sakellaropoulou and the Government and people of Greece for this special honour.
NORTH AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN
From the Caribbean Shores to Capitol Hill - Recognising India’s Trusted Leadership
Trinidad & Tobago – Order of the Republic (July 2025)
On July 4, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’, the country’s highest civilian honour, during his two-day visit to the Caribbean nation. The award was presented in recognition of his global leadership, deep engagement with the Indian diaspora, and humanitarian efforts, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi accepted the honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. This visit marked Modi’s first as Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago, and the first Indian bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level to the country since 1999.
Ghana – Officer of the Order of the Star (July 2025)
On July 3, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the highest national honor of Ghana, by President John Dramani Mahama, in recognition of his exceptional statesmanship and global leadership. Modi dedicated the award to the aspirations of India's youth, its cultural diversity, and the historical relationship between the two nations. He thanked the people of Ghana for the honor and emphasized the shared democratic values that will continue to strengthen the friendship between India and Ghana during his State Visit.
Barbados – Order of Freedom (Feb 2025)
On July 7, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Barbados for bestowing upon him the prestigious 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados' award. He dedicated the honor to the 1.4 billion people of India and the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. The award, presented by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, recognized Modi's strategic leadership and his significant support during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was announced during a meeting with Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley in 2024 and further highlighted the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Barbados.
Dominican Republic – Award of Honour (Nov 2024)
On November 20, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Dominica's highest national award, the "Dominica Award of Honour," by President Sylvanie Burton, in recognition of his statesmanship, support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and dedication to strengthening India-Dominica relations. The award ceremony, attended by several Caribbean leaders, including Prime Ministers from Guyana, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda, took place during the Second India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana. Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honor to the people of India and emphasized the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two nations, expressing confidence that the bilateral relationship would continue to flourish.
USA – Legion of Merit (Dec 2020)
On December 23, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit by US President Donald Trump, marking a significant milestone in India-US relations. The award recognized Modi’s leadership in advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations, acknowledging his efforts in elevating India’s global standing and addressing shared global challenges. Presented by US National Security Adviser Robert C. O’Brien, the honor also validated Modi’s policies, especially those aimed at ensuring security in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions, promoting free trade, and strengthening the Quad alliance with the US, Japan, and Australia. PM Modi dedicated the award to the collective efforts of the people of India and the US in enhancing bilateral ties.
SOUTH AMERICA
South America - A Promising Chapter in India’s Global Diplomacy
Guyana – Order of Excellence (Nov 2024)
On November 21, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Guyana's highest national award, "The Order of Excellence," by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at a ceremony at the State House. The award recognized PM Modi's visionary statesmanship, his advocacy for developing countries' rights on the global stage, his exceptional service to the international community, and his dedication to strengthening India-Guyana relations. PM Modi dedicated the honor to the people of India and highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations. He also emphasized that his State visit reflects India's ongoing commitment to fostering a strong India-Guyana partnership. PM Modi is only the fourth foreign leader to receive this prestigious award.
OCEANIA / PACIFIC ISLANDS
India in the Pacific: A Big Friend to Small Nations
Fiji – Order of Fiji (May 2023)
On May 22, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Fiji's highest honor, the Companion of the Order of Fiji (CF), by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in recognition of his global leadership. This rare honor is given to only a few non-Fijians. The award was presented during PM Modi's maiden visit to Papua New Guinea, where he hosted a key summit with 14 Pacific island countries to strengthen bilateral ties. PM Modi dedicated the honor to the people of India and the generations of the Fiji-Indian community, highlighting their role in fostering the enduring bond between the two nations.
Papua New Guinea – Order of Logohu (May 2023)
On May 22, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the highest honors by both Papua New Guinea and Fiji, marking a rare recognition for a non-resident in these Pacific island nations. In Papua New Guinea, he was awarded the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL) by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae during a special ceremony. This prestigious honor, which is the highest civilian award in the country, recognized PM Modi for his efforts in championing the unity of Pacific Island countries and his leadership in promoting the cause of the Global South. Very few non-residents, including former US President Bill Clinton, have received this honor. Additionally, PM Modi was awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji, further strengthening his diplomatic ties with these nations.
Palau – Ebakl Award (May 2023)
A rare distinction, the Ebakl symbolises a leader who listens and acts. Palau acknowledged India’s leadership in climate cooperation and sustainable development.
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS
Beyond borders, for peace, the planet, and people.
Philip Kotler Presidential Award (Jan 2019)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi. The award, given annually, recognizes leaders who contribute to the well-being of people, profit, and the planet. The citation praised Modi for his leadership and the significant progress India has made in areas like economic growth, innovation, and technology, mentioning initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, and Swachh Bharat.
Global Goalkeeper Award (September 2019)
On September 24, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the ‘Global Goalkeeper’ Award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the success of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The award ceremony took place during the United Nations General Assembly session in New York. PM Modi dedicated the award to the people of India, who turned the campaign into a mass movement. He highlighted that over 11 crore toilets were built in five years, significantly benefiting the poor and women while boosting economic activity in rural areas. PM Modi also emphasized India’s commitment to improving global sanitation and expressed readiness to share its experiences with other nations.
UN Champions of the Earth (Oct 2018)
On October 3, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the prestigious Champions of the Earth Award for Policy Leadership by UN Secretary General António Guterres at a ceremony in New Delhi. The award recognized Modi's visionary leadership and his efforts in promoting environmental sustainability. During his address, Modi dedicated the award to the people of India, especially those in remote and tribal areas, who have worked tirelessly for environmental protection. He highlighted India's deep-rooted cultural connection to nature and emphasized that climate concerns must become a part of culture to prevent environmental calamities. The award was a recognition of India's strides in initiatives like Swachh Bharat, renewable energy, and reducing plastic waste, and Modi's efforts were praised by global leaders like UN Environment Executive Director Erik Solheim.
Seoul Peace Prize (Oct 2018)
On October 24, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the prestigious 2018 Seoul Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to enhance international cooperation, drive global economic growth, and promote human development in India. The Seoul Peace Prize Committee acknowledged Modi's economic policies, especially 'Modinomics,' for reducing social and economic disparities. They also praised his anti-corruption initiatives, including demonetization, and his proactive foreign policy under the 'Modi Doctrine' and 'Act East Policy,' which contributed to regional and global peace. Modi became the fourteenth recipient of this honor, joining the ranks of global figures like Kofi Annan and Angela Merkel. He expressed gratitude for the award, which reflects India's growing partnership with South Korea. The award ceremony was to be held at a mutually convenient time.
A Final Word
The 29 highest civilian honors given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi are not just for him, but for India as a whole. They show how the world now recognizes India's growing influence. Once overlooked in global discussions, India is now a key player on the world stage. Recognition from countries like Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan highlights India's strength and importance.
This is India’s moment, not because we sought validation, but because the world now sees our significance.
