Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as one of the most internationally recognised Indian leaders, having received more than 25 top civilian honours from foreign nations till date. These awards have been conferred by countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, the Pacific region, Oceania, and the Caribbean.
The honours include some of the highest civilian and state awards presented by foreign governments, recognising his role in strengthening bilateral relations, promoting global cooperation, and enhancing India’s diplomatic presence on the world stage.
Some of the awards received over the years include the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III from Cyprus, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross from Brazil, the Order of the Nile from Egypt, and the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle from Russia.
The latest award was conferred by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Ethiopia’s highest honour, the Great Honor Nishan, marks the 28th foreign state award received by PM Modi.
Over the years, these recognitions have come from nations with which India has expanded strategic, economic, and cultural partnerships.
Several of the awards acknowledge India’s growing global influence under Modi’s leadership, particularly in areas such as development cooperation, climate action, peace initiatives, and engagement with the Global South. Foreign leaders have cited his efforts to deepen people-to-people ties and advance collaborative growth as reasons for the honours.
The international recognition received by Modi is the highest for any Indian Prime Minister, reflecting India’s active diplomacy and expanding role in international affairs. The honours span both developed and developing nations, underlining India’s broad-based global engagement.
The Prime Minister has often dedicated these awards to the people of India, stating that they symbolise the country’s rising stature and collective efforts rather than individual recognition.
With India continuing to play a key role in global forums and international initiatives, analysts say such recognitions highlight the country’s evolving position as a major global player.
