New Delhi: Acknowledging his outstanding leadership qualities and his significant impact on the global stage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with the prestigious “Companion of the Order” award on Monday. This esteemed recognition, typically reserved for Fijian citizens, marks a rare achievement for a non-Fijian recipient.
“The Companion of the Order” is the highest civilian honour of Fiji, traditionally reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Fiji’s development or have displayed remarkable dedication to the welfare of the nation. The recognition of Prime Minister Modi with this prestigious honour demonstrates the deep respect and admiration Fiji holds for the Indian leader.
As part of the honour, Prime Minister Modi was presented with a medallion by Sitiveni Rabuka, the Prime Minister of Fiji. This medallion represents the symbol of the “Companion of the Order” and signifies the esteemed recognition bestowed upon the Indian leader. The exchange of the medal between the two Prime Ministers further solidified the bond between India and Fiji and highlighted their commitment to deepening cooperation.
Along with Fiji, Papua New Guinea has also bestowed the highest civilan award to Prime Minister Modi. He was presented with the award “Companion of the Order of Logohu” by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, championing his efforts to strengthen the unity of Pacific Island countries.
In a remarkable testament to his leadership and global impact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with a series of prestigious international awards in the past, recognizing his relentless efforts towards fostering diplomatic relations, promoting economic growth, and championing sustainable development.
Some of the past foreign honours presented to PM Modi by other nations:
Order of Abdulaziz Al Saudi
In April 2016, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian award, the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud. This prestigious honor was presented by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in recognition of PM Modi’s efforts to strengthen and enhance the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.
State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan
Afghanistan awarded Prime Minister Modi the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, the country’s highest civilian honor, in June 2016. This recognition acknowledged his contributions towards fostering bilateral relations, promoting stability, and supporting Afghanistan’s path to development.
Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award
Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest order given to foreign dignitaries, heads of state, or government by the State of Palestine. This award was given to him on 10 February 2018. He was the 4th recipient of the award. Before him, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, King Hamad of Bahrain, and President Xi Jinping of China won the award.
Zayed Medal
In August 2019, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) honored Prime Minister Modi with the prestigious Zayed Medal. This recognition was bestowed by the UAE government as a mark of appreciation for his efforts in strengthening bilateral ties between India and the UAE and his role in promoting peace, tolerance, and inclusive development.
Order of St. Andrew the Apostle
Russia awarded PM Modi the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, the highest state decoration of the Russian Federation, in April 2019. This honor symbolized his significant contribution to strengthening the unique and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and fostering mutual trust.
Order of the Druk Gyalpo’
Prime Minister Modi was conferred Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo in December 2021.
Rule of Nishanizzuddeen
In June 2019, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the highest honour of the Maldives, the Rule of Nishanizzuddeen.
In addition to receiving the highest civilian honours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received recognition from some important international organizations.
Here are some notable international awards and recognitions conferred on Prime Minister Modi:
Seoul Peace Prize (South Korea, 2018)
Prime Minister Modi was awarded the Seoul Peace Prize for his contribution to international cooperation, fostering global economic growth, and promoting peace.
Champions of the Earth Award (United Nations, 2018)
The United Nations honoured Prime Minister Modi with the prestigious Champions of the Earth Award, the highest environmental honour conferred by the UN, for his pioneering efforts in promoting sustainable development.
Global Goalkeeper Award 2019
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded PM Modi the “Global Goalkeeper” Award in 2019 for his work on the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Furthermore, the esteemed international publication TIME Magazine has recognized Prime Minister Modi’s transformative leadership by including him in its annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
