Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, during his official State Visit on Tuesday.
This distinction marks the 26th international accolade conferred upon the Indian Prime Minister, and the third during his current five-nation tour, which began on 2 July.
Last week, during a two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi became the first foreign leader to receive the island nation’s top civilian award — the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Prime Minister Kamala Persad Bissessar praised PM Modi’s global leadership, his enduring bond with the Indian diaspora, and his humanitarian contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier, in Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama presented Prime Minister Modi with the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana in recognition of his ‘distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership’.
Observers view the series of awards as a testament to PM Modi’s expanding global stature.
“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,” remarked a former diplomat, crediting India’s assertive, nation-first foreign policy.
Honours from Cyprus, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius
In June, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conferred upon PM Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the island nation’s highest honour.
Earlier this year, Sri Lanka awarded PM Modi the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, and Mauritius presented him with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK) — both being the highest civilian awards in their respective countries.
On Tuesday in Brasília, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warmly received Prime Minister Modi at the Alvorada Palace.
The ceremonial welcome included a mounted escort of 114 horses, a military guard of honour, and formal introductions of both delegations.
Following restricted discussions, officials scheduled delegation-level talks and a signing ceremony, followed by a joint media statement and a State Lunch in honour of the Indian leader.
The visit to Brazil comes immediately after Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, further underlining India’s active diplomatic engagement across the Global South.
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