NEW DELHI: French President Emmanuel Macron conferred the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 13, 2023. This prestigious award marks a significant milestone, as PM Modi becomes the first Prime Minister of India to receive such an honor. The award ceremony, held at the Elysee Palace, witnessed a memorable exchange between the two leaders, symbolizing the strong bilateral ties between India and France.
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of India, stating, "Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France's highest award, on 13 July 2023, by H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France. Prime Minister thanked President Macron for this singular honor on behalf of the people of India."
The Legion of Honour, France's highest distinction, has been presented to eminent personalities worldwide. Former South African President Nelson Mandela, King Charles (the then Prince of Wales), former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and former United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali are among the notable individuals who have received this prestigious award.
This latest recognition from France adds to the series of international awards and honors bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi since he assumed office in 2014. The Order of the Nile from Egypt in June 2023, Companion of the Order of Logohu from Papua New Guinea in May 2023, Companion of the Order of Fiji in May 2023, Ebakl Award from the Republic of Palau in May 2023, Order of the Druk Gyalpo from Bhutan in 2021, Legion of Merit from the US Government in 2020, King Hamad Order of the Renaissance from Bahrain in 2019, Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin from Maldives in 2019, Order of St. Andrew Award from Russia in 2019, Order of Zayed Award from the UAE in 2019, Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award in 2018, State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan from Afghanistan in 2016, and Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud from Saudi Arabia in 2016 are among the other prestigious honors conferred upon him.
The recognition of Prime Minister Modi's contributions by various nations highlights his global stature and the impact of his leadership. These accolades serve as a testament to the strong diplomatic relations and the appreciation he has garnered for his efforts in strengthening India's position on the international stage.
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