New Delhi, June 16: President of CyprusNikos Christodoulides, today conferred “Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III” on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Accepting the honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, the Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the President, the Government, and the people of Cyprus.
He dedicated the award to the longstanding warm ties between India and Cyprus, which are built on shared values and mutual trust. He further noted that the award was a recognition of India’s age-old philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “The World is one Family” that guides its vision for global peace and progress.
Prime Minister embraced the honour as a renewed commitment to strengthening and diversifying the partnership between India and Cyprus. He emphasized that the award was a symbol of the unwavering commitment of the two countries to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity.
Later, addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the country’s highest civilian honour, on the prime minister for his leadership and contributions at the international level.
This is the 23rd such international honour that Modi has received so far from various countries, Mr Yadav said.
“It is a moment of happiness and pride for all of us that he has received the 23rd such honour at the international level. It is a matter of pride for India as well,” the senior BJP leader told reporters.
Later, in a post on X, Mr Yadav wrote, “This honour is a testament to the rise of India’s economic might, and diplomatic assertiveness in the global community.”
Hailing the bestowing of Cyprus’ highest civilian honour on PM Modi, the BJP wrote on X, “No prime minister in India’s history has commanded such decisive influence on the global stage as Shri Narendra Modi.” Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said this distinguished recognition reflects the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus, built on mutual trust, respect, and common aspirations.