Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Tuesday was conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Award Recognises Modi’s Role in Strengthening India-Brazil Ties
The award recognises Modi’s contributions to deepening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between India and Brazil on regional and global issues.
“Being honoured with Brazil’s highest national award by the President today is a moment of immense pride and emotion, not only for me, but also for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said during a joint press statement with President Lula following delegation-level talks.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to him (President Lula), the Brazilian government, and the people of Brazil,” he added.
PM Modi Calls Lula ‘Architect’ of India-Brazil Strategic Partnership
Modi also stated that President Lula was the architect of India-Brazil strategic partnership and the honour was a reflection of the collective efforts to take bilateral relations to a higher level.
“The award was as much an honour to his untiring efforts to take the bilateral ties to greater heights,” the ministry of external affairs said in a statement.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the recognition would encourage people from both countries to strengthen further the cordial and friendly relationship, the release added.
Modi Shares Gratitude on Social Media, Highlights Growing Recognition
Later, in a tweet on social media, Modi stated the award represented the strong love the people of Brazil have for the people of India.
“May our friendship scale even newer heights of success in the times to come,” he wrote.
This marks the 26th foreign honor that a country has awarded Prime Minister Modi since he took office in May 2014.
Trinidad and Tobago Also Honours PM Modi for Global South Advocacy
On Friday, Trinidad and Tobago awarded Prime Minister Modi ‘The Order of the Republic,’ making him the first foreign head of state to receive the Caribbean country’s top civilian honour.
At a special ceremony held at the President’s House, President Christine Carla Kangaloo presented the award in recognition of Modi’s statesmanship, his advocacy for the Global South, and his exceptional efforts in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
Modi, who was on a two-day visit to the Caribbean nation, expressed his gratitude to the government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago for the honour.
