In a momentous occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with the esteemed Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday. This prestigious recognition represents the highest honor in military and civilian orders in France and marks a historic milestone for the Indian Prime Minister as the first Indian PM to receive this distinction.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of India, PM Modi conveyed his appreciation to President Macron during the award ceremony, which took place at the renowned Elysee Palace. Following the ceremony, the French President hosted a private dinner for PM Modi, further strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest award, on July 13, 2023, by H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France. Prime Minister thanked President Macron for this singular honor on behalf of the people of India.”
Throughout history, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor has been bestowed upon distinguished global leaders and eminent personalities. Notable recipients include former South African President Nelson Mandela, King Charles (then Prince of Wales), former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and former United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, among others.
This latest accolade from France adds to a growing list of prestigious international awards and honors bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi. These include the Order of the Nile from Egypt in June 2023, the Companion of the Order of Logohu from Papua New Guinea in May 2023, the Companion of the Order of Fiji in May 2023, the Ebakl Award from the Republic of Palau in May 2023, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo from Bhutan in 2021, the Legion of Merit from the US Government in 2020, the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance from Bahrain in 2019, the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin from Maldives in 2019, the Order of St. Andrew award from Russia in 2019, the Order of Zayed Award from the UAE in 2019, the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award in 2018, the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan from Afghanistan in 2016, and the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud from Saudi Arabia in 2016.
Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the French First Lady Brigitte Macron for a private dinner at the esteemed Elysee Palace in Paris. The warm reception and the subsequent award ceremony exemplify the strong bonds between India and France, further fostering bilateral relations and collaboration between the two nations.
