New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stature on the global stage continues to grow, with nations across continents bestowing their highest civilian honours upon him in recognition of his leadership, diplomatic outreach, and contributions to global cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been widely acknowledged across the globe for his leadership, diplomatic acumen, and efforts to bolster India’s presence on the world stage. Over the years, various countries and international organizations have conferred prestigious awards and honours on him, recognizing his contributions to international diplomacy, economic development, global peace, and fostering bilateral relations. His influence has transcended regional boundaries, earning respect and accolades from diverse nations, both developed and developing, as well as global institutions.
Honours from Major Global Powers and Regional Allies
In 2020, the United States awarded Prime Minister Modi the Legion of Merit in the Degree of Chief Commander, one of the highest military decorations bestowed upon foreign heads of government. This rare honour was in recognition of his “steadfast leadership and vision” that elevated the strategic partnership between India and the United States. Earlier, in 2019, Russia conferred on him the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, its highest civilian honour, highlighting Modi’s exceptional efforts in promoting a special and privileged strategic partnership between the two nations.
In the Middle East, Prime Minister Modi was honoured with the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance by Bahrain in 2019 during his historic visit as the first Indian Prime Minister to the kingdom. That same year, the United Arab Emirates presented him with the Order of Zayed, the UAE’s highest civilian award, lauding his significant role in strengthening strategic ties between India and the UAE, particularly in energy, trade, and cultural exchanges. Saudi Arabia recognized Modi’s contributions earlier in 2016 by awarding him the King Abdulaziz Sash, the highest civilian honour of the Kingdom, marking a new chapter in Indo-Saudi cooperation across multiple sectors.
Recognition from South Asia, Africa, and the Pacific
Within South Asia, the Maldives conferred on Modi the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin in 2019, acknowledging his efforts in enhancing bilateral ties in defense, security, and development. Afghanistan too honoured Modi with its highest civilian award, the Amir Amanullah Khan Award, in 2016, recognizing India’s vital role in Afghanistan’s infrastructure and humanitarian development.
In the Pacific, 2023 was marked by a historic recognition from Papua New Guinea, which conferred upon Modi the Ebakl Award, formally known as the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, the nation’s highest honour. Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Papua New Guinea, and the award symbolized his leadership in advancing the interests of the Global South. In the same year, Fiji honoured him with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the country’s highest award, celebrating his efforts in fostering unity among Pacific nations and his support for small island states.
Honours from Palestine and Global Institutions
In 2018, Palestine conferred upon Modi the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, its highest civilian award, in recognition of his diplomatic commitment to peace and strengthened ties between India and Palestine. On the global stage, Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in environmental and developmental initiatives has also been widely recognized. The United Nations Environment Programme awarded him the Champions of the Earth award in 2018, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, for their joint leadership in the International Solar Alliance and commitment to climate action.
Modi’s flagship sanitation drive, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, earned him the Global Goalkeeper Award in 2019 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This award highlighted the dramatic improvements in sanitation and public health in India, with wide-ranging implications for sustainable development.
Global Acknowledgment of Modi’s Leadership
Beyond the formal accolades, Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating India’s profile through active engagement in international forums such as the G20, BRICS, SCO, Quad, and the United Nations. His consistent focus on representing the interests of the Global South and advocating for climate justice has resonated with developing nations and international policymakers alike. Modi’s domestic economic initiatives, such as Make in India, Digital India, and Startup India, have drawn global investments and enhanced India’s image as a dynamic economic powerhouse.
His use of cultural diplomacy—promoting yoga, traditional medicine, and cultural exchange—has expanded India’s soft power influence globally. Through a combination of strategic vision, economic reforms, and cultural outreach, Modi has not only redefined India’s global identity but also positioned himself as a central figure in shaping contemporary global discourse.
From Africa to the Caribbean, the Gulf to Eurasia, 2024 and 2025 have seen Modi receive numerous international accolades, cementing his status as a world leader with significant influence. These awards not only symbolize appreciation for his personal diplomacy but also reflect India’s growing strategic and economic ties with countries around the world.
Strengthening African and Caribbean Ties
In 2024, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, by President Bola Tinubu. The award highlighted Modi’s commitment to democratic values and his role in advancing Indo-Nigerian relations, particularly in the domains of trade and technology.
Further west in the Caribbean, Modi’s contributions were recognized by several nations. He received the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados, the island nation’s highest civilian award. This was followed by Guyana bestowing upon him the Order of Excellence, its highest national award, in recognition of his pandemic-time support and leadership in strengthening India-Caribbean relations. The Government of Dominica also conferred upon him the Dominica Award of Honour, acknowledging his role in global cooperation and bilateral development initiatives in the region.
Diplomatic Depth in the Gulf and South Asia
Modi’s influence in the Gulf region was acknowledged when Kuwait conferred upon him the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, the country’s highest civilian honour. This recognition underlined his role in enhancing energy partnerships, trade relations, and cultural exchanges between India and Kuwait, at a time when both nations are deepening economic cooperation.
In South Asia, Bhutan honoured Modi with the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, the Himalayan kingdom’s highest civilian honour. Presented by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the award recognised Modi’s pivotal role in fostering deep-rooted ties between India and Bhutan, particularly in infrastructure development, education, and cultural exchanges.
Honours from Major Global Powers
Russia acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s long-standing efforts in fortifying India-Russia relations by presenting him with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Russia’s highest civilian honour. Awarded by President Vladimir Putin during Modi’s visit to Russia in 2024, the recognition is significant in the context of India’s balancing diplomacy amid shifting global alliances and energy partnerships.
In 2025, Mauritius joined the list of nations honouring Modi when he was conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K)—Mauritius’ highest civilian award. The ceremony took place during the island nation’s 57th National Day celebrations, with Modi as the Chief Guest. This historic event marked the first time an Indian leader received the honour and reinforced the longstanding special friendship and cultural ties between India and Mauritius.
India’s Global Footprint under Modi’s Leadership
These international accolades underscore Prime Minister Modi’s expanding global appeal and the recognition of his leadership across diverse regions. Each honour is a testament not only to his personal diplomatic engagements but also to India’s evolving role in global geopolitics, economy, and development cooperation. From strategic defence partnerships to cultural diplomacy, energy cooperation to pandemic-era support, Modi’s foreign policy vision has projected India as a reliable, stable, and influential global partner.
As India aspires to greater leadership on international platforms such as the G20 and the United Nations, the international recognition of its prime minister bolsters its image and diplomatic leverage. The string of honours conferred upon Narendra Modi during 2024 and 2025 represents a culmination of a decade-long push to make India a central player on the world stage, a goal that is now being acknowledged and celebrated by nations worldwide.
The array of international honours conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflects a broad and consistent global acknowledgment of his diplomatic outreach, economic foresight, and leadership on global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and peacebuilding. As India asserts its role as a major player in world affairs, these accolades are emblematic of Modi’s enduring impact in redefining India’s place in the international community.
