Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep gratitude to the people and leadership of Brazil after being conferred with the country’s highest national honour – ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’ – during his ongoing State Visit.
PM Modi described the award as a tribute not to him personally but to the 1.4 billion citizens of India and the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi posted, “I’m honoured to have been conferred ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.’ Gratitude to President Lula, the Government and the people of Brazil. This illustrates the strong affection the people of Brazil have for the people of India. May our friendship scale even newer heights of success in the times to come.”
The Prime Minister also acknowledged President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s role in shaping the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, stating that the award reflects Lula’s longstanding commitment to elevating bilateral ties.
This Brazilian honour marks the 26th international award PM Modi has received and the third on his ongoing five-nation diplomatic tour, which began on 2 July.
Just days earlier, during his visit to Port of Spain, Prime Minister Modi became the first foreign leader to receive ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’, the Caribbean nation’s highest civilian award.
Prime Minister Kamala Persad Bissessar praised his global leadership, strong diaspora connections, and efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.
Prior to that, in Accra, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama conferred PM Modi with the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ in recognition of his ‘influential global leadership and distinguished statesmanship’.
Analysts note that the series of awards reflects PM Modi’s growing stature on the global stage – no previous Indian Prime Minister has garnered such widespread international recognition.
His image as a leader committed to peace, development, and spiritual diplomacy has contributed to India’s enhanced global profile.
In June, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides presented PM Modi with the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’.
Earlier this year, both Sri Lanka and Mauritius also honoured him with their top civilian awards.
In April, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’ to PM Modi, citing his role in deepening bilateral ties.
The award symbolises shared values and mutual respect.
In March, during Mauritius’ National Day celebrations, Prime Minister Modi received the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’ (GCSK) – a first for an Indian leader – from President Dharambeer Gokhool.
Earlier on Tuesday, Brazilian President Lula hosted a ceremonial welcome for PM Modi at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília, marking the formal start of the Indian Prime Minister’s State Visit.
The welcome included full military honours and an escort of 114 horses.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit follows his participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and will likely further bolster India-Brazil strategic ties.
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