Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with the “Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III”, the highest civilian honour of the Republic of Cyprus. The award was presented by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides during the Prime Minister’s official visit to the country.
In his acceptance remarks, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the President, the government, and the people of Cyprus. Accepting the honour on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, the Prime Minister said the recognition was a tribute to the enduring friendship between the two nations, founded on shared democratic values, mutual trust, and cooperation across diverse fields.
“This honour is not just for me, but for 1.4 billion Indians,” he said. “It reflects our civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family – which continues to guide India’s approach to global peace, progress and cooperation.”
PM Modi described the Grand Cross as a symbol of the deepening ties between India and Cyprus and a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to uphold peace, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity.
Instituted in 1981 by then President Spyros Kyprianou, the Decoration of the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III is one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Cypriot state. It is granted under the powers of Article 47b of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and is reserved for distinguished personalities who have contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting global goodwill.
The honour has previously been awarded to several distinguished world leaders, including former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in March 1983, Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti in April 1990, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in July 2022, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel in March 2023, and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands earlier this year.
PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus comes at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, from economic engagement to cultural ties and innovation.