PM Modi Bestowed With France’s Prestigious Award ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour’

French President Emmanuel Macron conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, regarded as the highest French honour in military or civilian orders. The prestigious award was bestowed upon the Prime Minister after an intimate dinner hosted by the French leader at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday evening.

PM Modi also shared a Tweet to thank President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs Macron for the memorable evening. He penned, I thank President @EmmanuelMacron and Mrs Macron for hosting me at the Élysée Palace this evening.”

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Speaking of the honourable award, The Legion of Honour, originally instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte, comprises of five levels, with the highest honour, the Grand Cross, being bestowed upon the Prime Minister. The emblematic ribbon is vibrant red, and the badge showcases a five-pointed Maltese asterisk surrounded by an ornate wreath of oak and laurel.

Traditionally, membership in the Legion of Honour is reserved for French citizens. However, individuals from foreign countries who have contributed significantly to France or exemplified its values may also be honoured with this distinction. Each year, approximately 300 foreign nationals are among the recipients of this esteemed recognition, which boasts a total membership of over 79,000 individuals.

Characterizing the accolade as a symbolic embodiment of the enduring partnership between India and France, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, hailed the award as a significant and heartfelt gesture that will be remembered as a historic moment.

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Prime Minister Modi’s recognition as a recipient of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first Indian prime minister to receive this esteemed honor. This prestigious award has been bestowed upon notable figures and influential personalities from various nations in the past, including iconic leaders such as Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, Angela Merkel, the former chancellor of Germany, and Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the former secretary-general of the United Nations.

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