PM Modi’s 27 International Civilian Honours (2016–2025) – Chronological List with Speech Highlights
Since becoming Prime Minister in 2014, Narendra Modi has been conferred with 27 highest-level civilian honours from foreign countries. These awards underscore India’s enhanced strategic role and Modi’s global statesmanship. Each honour comes with a distinct narrative captured in his acceptance speeches, highlighting shared values, development goals, and diplomatic vision.
Full Chronological List with Key Speech Highlights
- Saudi Arabia – Order of King Abdulaziz (Apr 2016) Speech: Modi praised deepening India–Saudi strategic and energy cooperation.
- Afghanistan – State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (Jun 2016) Speech: He expressed solidarity with Afghanistan & emphasized India’s support in education and governance.
- Palestine – Grand Collar of the State of Palestine (Feb 2018) Speech: Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to a two‑state solution and regional peace.
- UAE – Order of Zayed (Aug 2019) Speech: Emphasized strategic ties in energy, trade and Indian diaspora welfare.
- Russia – Order of St. Andrew the Apostle (Jul 2024) Speech: Acknowledged historic ties and India–Russia partnership on global stability.
- Maldives – Order of Nishan Izzuddeen (Jun 2019) Speech: Highlighted shared Indian Ocean heritage and development cooperation.
- Bahrain – King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (Aug 2019) Speech: Modi praised Gulf cultural ties and diaspora contributions.
- USA – Legion of Merit (Chief Commander) (Dec 2020) Speech: Celebrated India–US strategic alignment and defence cooperation.
- Bhutan – Order of the Dragon King (Mar 2024) Speech: Modi hailed Bhutan’s democratic legacy and Himalayan friendship.
- Papua New Guinea – Order of Logohu (May 2023) Speech: Recognized shared democracy and South-South cooperation.
- Fiji – Companion of the Order of Fiji (May 2023) Speech: Emphasized Pacific island partnerships and development diplomacy.
- Palau – Ebakl Award (May 2023) Speech: Highlighted leadership, wisdom, and global governance ideals.
- Egypt – Order of the Nile (Jun 2023) Speech: Modi reaffirmed India–Egypt cooperation in culture, energy & regional diplomacy.
- France – Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (Jul 2023) Speech: First Indian PM recipient; acknowledged shared values and strategic alignment.
- Greece – Grand Cross of the Order of Honour (Aug 2023) Speech: Highlighted democratic solidarity and Mediterranean cooperation.
- Dominica – Dominica Award of Honour (Nov 2024) Speech: Recognized pandemic-era solidarity and CARICOM relations.
- Nigeria – Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (Nov 2024) Speech: Emphasized democratic governance, critical minerals & health cooperation.
- Guyana – Order of Excellence (Nov 2024) Speech: Highlighted India–CARICOM cultural ties and diaspora leadership.
- Barbados – Freedom of Barbados (Mar 2025) Speech: Focused on climate resilience, education and digital collaboration.
- Kuwait – Order of Mubarak Al‑Kabeer (Dec 2024) Speech: Modi addressed energy partnerships, labour welfare and regional security.
- Mauritius – Order of the Star & Key of the Indian Ocean (Mar 2025) Speech: Emphasized Indian Ocean cooperation, digital governance and BIMSTEC ties.
- Sri Lanka – Mitra Vibhushana (Apr 2025) Speech: Celebrated shared heritage and collaboration in tourism and renewable energy.
- Cyprus – Grand Cross of Makarios III (Jun 16 2025) Speech: A tribute to shared democracy values and trade/connectivity in Eastern Mediterranean.
- Ghana – Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana (Jul 2 2025) Speech: Modi highlighted Ghana’s democracy and future tech-driven cooperation.
- Trinidad & Tobago – Order of the Republic (Jul 4 2025) Speech: Praised diaspora ties and called for expanding cultural‑energy partnerships.
- Brazil – Grand Collar of the Southern Cross (Jul 8 2025) Speech: Called it a tribute to 1.4 billion Indians, hailed Lula as architect of India–Brazil strategic partnership.
- Namibia – Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis (Jul 9 2025) Speech: Addressed Namibian Parliament with chants of “Modi, Modi”, lauded freedom struggle, cheetah cooperation, and compared relations to the resilient Welwitschia plant.
Themes & Diplomatic Narratives
- Tribute to Indian People: Modi consistently dedicates awards to “1.4 billion Indians”.
- Democratic Values: Many speeches refer to democracy, freedom struggles and mutual governance models.
- Strategic Partnerships: Frequent focus on areas like climate, digital infrastructure, energy, and minerals.
- Soft Power & Diaspora: Engagement with diasporas in Caribbean, Africa & Middle East is a recurring theme.
- Symbolism: Metaphors like Namibia’s Welwitschia plant or President Lula as “chief architect” reinforce relationship imagery.
Also read BRICS 2025: https://www.thebriefdesk.com/2025/07/2025-brics-summit-pm-modi-in-brazil-to.html
Highlight: 2025 Milestone Awards
1. Ghana - Order of the Star of Ghana ( July 2 ) Speech - Democratic Solidarity and tech partnership
2. Trinidad & Tobago - Order of the Republic ( July 4 ) Speech- Indian diaspora and cultural linkage
3. Brazil - Southern Cross Grand Collar ( July 8 ) Speech- Tribute to Indian people, BRICS unity
4. Namibia - Welwitschia Mirabilis ( July 9 ) Speech - Parliament address, conservation symbolism
Conclusion
This comprehensive chronological journey through PM Narendra Modi’s 27 international civilian honour highlights India’s diplomatic evolution from 2016 to mid‑2025. Each speech, deeply rooted in values-based diplomacy, reflects India’s aspirations as a partner of choice—from the Middle East to Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. Modi’s words echo democratic solidarity, developmental partnerships, and cultural empathy—turning ceremonial awards into meaningful symbols of global engagement.
