Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian award of the Republic of Cyprus, further solidifying his stature as a Statesman of the World. This marks the 23rd sovereign award bestowed upon him since he took office in 2014, the highest number ever conferred upon an Indian Prime Minister.
This rare honour from the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus not only reflects PM Modi’s growing international influence but also reaffirms the deepening Indo-Cypriot relationship — a strategic partnership rooted in shared democratic values, ancient civilisational ties, and modern economic cooperation.
The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, named after Cyprus’ founding President and national hero, Archbishop Makarios III, is a symbol of national gratitude and diplomatic admiration. It is reserved for world leaders who have significantly contributed to promoting international peace, bilateral cooperation, and civilisational understanding.
In a ceremony marked by tradition and grandeur in Nicosia, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides hailed PM Modi as a transformational global leader who has redefined India’s image on the world stage and strengthened bonds between nations based on mutual respect and cooperation.
“Prime Minister Modi is not only a leader of a rising India; he is a leader of the world who stands for dialogue, dignity, and diplomacy,” President Christodoulides declared.
For Cyprus, a country navigating its own geopolitical tensions with Turkey, India’s steadfast support for sovereignty, dialogue, and international law has made the relationship with New Delhi a key foreign policy pillar. This honour to PM Modi is being viewed in European diplomatic circles as Cyprus’ endorsement of India’s peaceful but firm stance on global conflicts and its emerging role in Eurasian affairs.
23 Sovereign Honours: A record that speaks volumes
The Cyprus recognition is not an isolated accolade but part of a growing trend — a global endorsement of Modi’s leadership and India’s transformation under him. From Papua New Guinea to France, Russia to Saudi Arabia, nations across the world have acknowledged Modi’s role in shaping a 21st-century India that is confident, resilient, and globally engaged.
Each of these 23 honours represents sovereign respect — not ceremonial titles, but civilian and military recognitions from the highest offices of foreign governments.
Here’s a look at some of the key honours that define this unprecedented diplomatic trajectory:
- Russia (2024): Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, the highest order of the Russian Federation
- France (2023): Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest order of merit
- United Arab Emirates (2019): Order of Zayed, UAE’s highest civilian award
- United States (2020): Legion of Merit, a prestigious American military award
- Saudi Arabia (2016): Order of King Abdulaziz
- Egypt (2023): Order of the Nile
- Greece (2023): Grand Cross of the Order of Honour
- Bhutan (2021): Order of the Druk Gyalpo
In 2025 alone, three prestigious recognitions have already come PM Modi’s way:
- Cyprus – Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III
- Sri Lanka – Mitra Vibhushana, the island nation’s highest civilian decoration
- Mauritius – Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean
Under Modi’s leadership, India has transitioned from a reactive power to a proactive geopolitical force, championing causes like climate equity, counter-terrorism, digital inclusion, diaspora diplomacy, and multilateral reform.
What makes PM Modi stand apart on the world stage is his ability to marry civilisational confidence with modern diplomacy. Whether quoting ancient Indian scriptures at global forums or promoting initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, he has positioned India as a leader with a legacy and a vision.
This has struck a chord not only with large powers but also with small and medium nations across the world, as seen by the diversity of awards conferred. For instance:
- Palau and Fiji honoured him for strengthening Pacific relations
- Barbados, Dominica, and Guyana recognised his outreach to the Indian diaspora and South-South cooperation
- Papua New Guinea called him the “Voice of the Global South” during his 2023 visit
