The government exists, and should exist, for the benefit of the people, the Janata Janardan: PM Narendra Modi
Our government has done more for states, regardless of the party they are ruled by, than any government since Independence: PM Modi
The world is interconnected & interdependent, be it tech. or trade, in movement of people or capital & in research & innovation: PM
In a democracy, there will be parties with their own policies & priorities. This is a basic feature of a vibrant democracy: PM

You have completed two years as Prime Minister. What do you consider the biggest gain for the government? Is there anything that you feel the government could have achieved but has not yet — any regrets?

From my point of view what we need is not the government’s gain but the country’s gain. The government exists, and should exist, for the benefit of the people, the Janata Janardan. When we assess the last 25 months, we have to do so in comparison to the period before that. When we took office, there was a pervasive atmosphere of gloom and pessimism. Newspapers were filled with scams and their aftermath. In the preceding months, share prices had fallen and India’s stock in the global market place had also fallen. Inflation was high. Above all, the common citizen felt helpless. Today, all of these have disappeared along with the previous government. There is belief and there is hope. A strong foundation has been laid for a takeoff. This transformation from gloom to confidence in the future and from economic decline to sustained growth has the potential to transform India.


As regards regrets, I am not sure if my answer will be to your liking. Before and during the parliamentary elections, there was a section of the media which strongly hoped that we would not win. My regret is that in the last two years, I have not been able to convince or persuade that section regarding our point of view. My challenge is to win over these sceptics, and persuade them of our sincerity and good intentions.

Countries across the world appear to have become more inward-looking; Brexit is one of the signs. Do you think global trade, including movement of people, will suffer in the near future?

The world is witnessing several crucial developments. It is important to view them in their correct perspective, and separate local drivers from regional and global impulses. For centuries it has been clear that for each country its own interests are supreme. It is with supremacy of these interests in mind that each country seeks to build its externalities and connect with other countries in the world. Global linkages can be strengthened by harnessing the interests of other countries. Today, whether it is technology or trade, in movement of human resources or capital and in research and innovation, we live in an interconnected and interdependent world. And, the nations naturally keep their interests in mind even as they forge bonds of economic cooperation with other countries. Regarding Brexit, it is a subject that requires in-depth examination. In this regard, we will take correct decisions keeping in mind our interests.

You have often talked about cooperative federalism. But there has been criticism that you are not accommodating enough of other parties, and other party-ruled states. Delhi, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, have complaints against the Union government. Wouldn’t you like to them along on the path to development?

If you look at the facts, you will find that this government has done more for states, regardless of the party they are ruled by, than any government since Independence. The recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission led to an increase in the states’ share of central taxes from 32% to 42%. Despite advice to the contrary from many civil servants, we decided to accept the recommendations. Initially, some of our critics said the increase would be offset by reduction in centrally sponsored schemes. The figures for fiscal year 2015-16 are now available and they show clearly that even after adjusting for the unavoidable cuts in centrally sponsored schemes, the overall transfer from the Centre to the states has increased by over 21% in 2015-16. The total additional resources transferred to the states, after adjusting for the reduction in centrally sponsored schemes, was nearly Rs 1,44,800 crore. The increased devolution has been made strictly in accordance with the recommendations of the Finance Commission, a non-partisan body appointed during the tenure of the previous government. To give you some examples, the net increase in resources transferred to West Bengal was 37%, to Kerala 38%, to Telangana 25%, to Himachal Pradesh 49% to Uttar Pradesh 22% and to Karnataka 21%. I am proud of my government’s record in treating opposition-ruled states as full and as equal partners in ‘Team India’.

Let me give you another concrete example. The sharp reduction in the Centre’s share of taxes made by the Finance Commission necessitated redesign of centrally sponsored schemes. In fact the Commission had recommended their scrapping. Since Independence, the structure and funding pattern of centrally sponsored schemes have always been decided by the Centre unilaterally. This time, we constituted a sub-group of chief ministers under NITI and gave them the task of evolving a new pattern. This sub-group, which included the chief ministers of Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana among others, came up with unanimous recommendations and we accepted the recommendations as soon as they were presented. There can be no greater testimony to our commitment to taking along all the states with us on the path of development.

China has constantly created hindrances to India’s interests, be it in trade or more recently NSG. While New Delhi can look Beijing in the eye, how can you leverage your strengths to discourage China from making such adverse interventions?

Your question suggests that international relations are a zero-sum game. I believe that nations can move forward in their own interest in several areas while managing differences in other areas. No country is an island unto itself today. We have to work together. India and China are neighbours, important players in Asia and increasingly significant actors on the global stage. We need to work together more, understand each other’s interests and priorities and be sensitive to mutual concerns and interests. But, I also firmly stand by what our strategic interests are and will continue to pursue them strongly.

How important is winning Uttar Pradesh for you and for your party? Would you look at the verdict as a referendum on the central government?

Uttar Pradesh has its own importance. Keeping in mind the conditions that have been created in the state in the last 15 years, the only way to save the state is through development. And only the BJP can guarantee development. Fifteen years of misrule has resulted in the state declining not just in the field of education, but also in industrial development. In the ranking of the composite educational development index — U-DISE — Uttar Pradesh was at the bottom among all states and Union territories in 2014-15. This ranking was based on four parameters: accessibility of schemes for the people, infrastructure, teachers, and outcomes. So this means Uttar Pradesh is in bad shape on each of these parameters. Our strategy will be to take Uttar Pradesh on the path of development. The Union government has especially approved projects worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore for Uttar Pradesh. Out of this, Rs 68,000 crore is for roads, and Rs 27,000 crore for railway, power and petroleum projects.

We must pay attention to balanced industrial development in the state. Eastern Uttar Pradesh cannot be neglected. It is an area that is economically, educationally, and industrially backward. To reduce this imbalance, we are investing significantly in the region for the Dedicated Freight Corridor project. Eighteen nodes are proposed along the Dedicated Freight Corridor, which will spur development. The corridor will also provide a boost to chemical, cement, fertiliser and other industries. The Union government is also working to restart the fertiliser plant in Gorakhpur at a cost of Rs 6,000 crore. A new AIIMS is also proposed in eastern Uttar Pradesh. These steps will transform the industrial and economic landscape of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

You have often expressed your exasperation with the Opposition as far as pushing the legislative agenda of the government is concerned. Do you really think you can still work out an amicable formula with the Opposition for meeting your targets?

In a democracy, there will always be parties with their own policies, their own strategies and their own priorities. This is a basic feature of a vibrant democracy. But along with their priorities and compulsions, all parties also have to keep in mind the larger good and keep the country above party considerations. It is for this reason that I had said in Parliament that even in the Lok Sabha, though in arithmetic terms we have a majority of our own, it will always be our intention to seek consensus and proceed on the basis of general agreement. I am happy to see that in two years of this Parliament, it has been extremely productive. Apart from the completion of much legislative work, we have also witnessed healthy debates on topics of national importance ranging from the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar, to drought, to the attack in Pathankot. These debates took place in a healthy spirit.

In terms of the legislative agenda, most parties have cooperated with the government in the national interest. In your question, you have lumped together the entire Opposition. The fact is that barring one party, the Opposition has been constructive in pursuing the larger national interest. The whole nation knows that it is only one party which, unable to adjust to the reality of its defeat, has made obstructionism its response to every issue, regardless of the negative consequences for the nation.

Source: Indian Express

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List of Highest National Honours and Global Awards Conferred on PM Narendra Modi
July 09, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred highest civilian honours by several nations. These recognitions are a reflection of PM Modi’s leadership and vision which has strengthened India’s emergence on the global stage. It also reflects India’s growing ties with countries around the world.

Let us have a look at awards bestowed on PM Modi in the last ten years.

Awards Conferred by Countries:

1. In April 2016, during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour- the King Abdulaziz Sash. The Prime Minister was conferred the prestigious award by King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

2. The same year, PM Modi was bestowed upon the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan – the highest civilian honor of Afghanistan.

3. In the year 2018, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a historic visit to Palestine, he was awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award. This is the highest honour of Palestine awarded to foreign dignitaries.

4. In 2019, the Prime Minster was awarded the Order of Zayed Award. This is the highest civilian honour of the United Arab Emirates.

5. Russia conferred Prime Minister Modi with their highest civilian honour - the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle in 2019. The PM received the award during his visit to Moscow in July 2024..

6. Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin- the highest honour of the Maldives awarded to foreign dignitaries was presented to PM Modi in 2019.

7. PM Modi received the prestigious King Hamad Order of the Renaissance in 2019. The honour was conferred by Bahrain.

8. Legion of Merit by the US Government, the award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements was conferred on PM Modi in 2020.

9. Bhutan honoured PM Modi with the highest civilian decoration, Order of the Druk Gyalpo in December 2021. PM Modi received the award during his visit to Bhutan in March 2024

10. During his visit to Papua New Guinea in 2023, PM Modi was conferred with Ebakl Award by the President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau

11. PM Narendra Modi has also been conferred the highest honour of Fiji, Companion of the Order of Fiji in recognition of his global leadership. The award was conferred by PM Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji.

12. Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Dadae conferred PM Modi with Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu. It is the highest honour of Papua New Guinea.

 13. In June 2023, President Abdel Fattah El-sisi conferred Prime Minister Modi with the highest state honour of Egypt, the 'Order of Nile.'

 14. On 13th July 2023, PM Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest award in France by President Emmanuel Macron.

 15. On 25th August 2023, PM Modi was conferred with 'The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour' by President Katerina Sakellaropoulou of Greece.

16. Dominica honoured PM Modi with the ‘Dominica Award of Honour.’ It was presented to PM Modi by President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica during the Prime Minister's visit to Guyana in November 2024.

17. Nigeria honoured PM Modi with 'The Grand Commander of The Order of the Niger' during his visit in November 2024. It was presented to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria.

 

18. Guyana honoured PM Modi with the ‘The Order of Excellence’ during the Prime Minister's visit in November 2024. It was presented to him by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

19. PM Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados announced her government’s decision to honour PM Modi with the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados Award during the Prime Minister's visit to Guyana in November 2024. MoS Pabitra Margherita Ji received the award on behalf of PM from President Dame Sandra Mason of Barbados on 06th March 2025.

20. In December 2024, PM Modi was conferred the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah.

21During PM Modi's visit to Mauritius in March 2025, President Dharambeer Gokhool conferred PM Modi with the Highest National Award of Mauritius, 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean'.

22. During PM Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conferred PM Modi with the highest Sri Lankan honour, the 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana' award.

23) PM Modi was conferred the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus during his visit in June 2025. It was bestowed upon PM Modi by President Nikos Christodoulides.

24) PM Modi was conferred ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ during his visit in July 2025. It was bestowed upon PM Modi by President John Dramani Mahama.

25) PM Modi was conferred ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’ during his visit in July 2025. It was bestowed upon PM Modi by President Christine Kangaloo.

26) PM Modi has been conferred with ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’ during his visit to Brazil in July 2025. It was bestowed upon PM Modi by President Lula.

Apart from the highest civilian honours, PM Modi has also been conferred with several awards by prestigious organisations across the globe.

1. Seoul Peace Prize: It is awarded biennially to those individuals by Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation who have made their mark through contributions to the harmony of mankind, reconciliation between nations and to world peace. Prime Minister Modi was conferred prestigious award in 2018.

2. United Nations Champions of The Earth Award: This is UN’s highest environmental honour. In 2018, the UN recognized PM Modi for his bold environmental leadership on the global stage.

3. First-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award was given to Prime Minister Modi in 2019. This award is offered annually to the leader of a nation. The citation of the award said that PM Modi was selected for his “outstanding leadership for the nation”.

4. In 2019, PM Modi was conferred the ‘Global Goalkeeper’ Award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. PM Modi dedicated the award to those Indians who transformed the Swachh Bharat campaign into a “people’s movement” and accorded topmost priority to cleanliness in their day-to-day lives.

5. In 2021, Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award by the Cambridge Energy Research Associates CERA was bestowed on PM Modi. The award recognizes the commitment of leadership towards the future of global energy and environment.