In a proud moment for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi becomes the first Indian leader in 23 years to visit Cyprus, where he is honoured with the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, symbolising India’s growing global stature and trusted international partnerships.
In a moment of pride for 1.4 billion Indians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred Cyprus’s highest civilian honour — the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides presented this prestigious recognition during Modi’s official visit to the Mediterranean nation. Notably, he is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Cyprus in the last 23 years.
While receiving Cyprus’s top civilian honour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that the award is a tribute to all Indians. He described it as a symbol of the nation’s unity, aspirations, and cultural richness. Prime Minister Modi remarked that the honour reflects the trust built over the years between India and Cyprus, which has been strengthened by their shared commitment to democratic values.
The award — named after Cyprus’s first President, Archbishop Makarios III — was conferred at the start of Modi’s official visit to the country, which also marks the beginning of his three-nation tour covering Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia. In Canada, he is scheduled to attend the G7 Summit, while the Croatia leg of his trip will focus on deepening strategic and economic ties.
During his time in Nicosia, the Prime Minister also addressed a business roundtable, encouraging Cypriot companies to invest in India’s dynamic sectors. He highlighted India’s rapid economic transformation over the last decade, including reforms in infrastructure, digital services, and innovation. Modi noted that India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy in the near future.
With this recognition, PM Narendra Modi has now been honoured by 23 different nations with their top civilian awards — including the Legion of Merit from the United States, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle from Russia, and Saudi Arabia’s Order of King Abdulaziz — underscoring India’s rising global stature under his leadership.
