Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a five-day overseas tour on June 15, covering Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia, his first foreign engagement since the retaliatory airstrikes in Pakistan on Operation Sindoor following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
His tour started with a historic two-day trip to Cyprus, which was his first visit to the Mediterranean nation in over two decades. On the visit, PM Modi was conferred one of Cyprus’s most prestigious civilian awards, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.
What is The Order of Makarios III?
The Archbishop Makarios III award, named in honour of Cyprus’s first president, is one of the country’s most senior honours. Created in 1991, The Order of Makarios III recognises outstanding service or contributions to Cyprus or the international community. It comprises a number of classes, with the Grand Cross being one of the highest honours, second only to the Grand Collar.
Appreciating PM Modi’s leadership and efforts towards developing India-Cyprus relations, the President of Cyprus gave the award in a ceremonial function.
Take a look:
#WATCH | Nicosia: President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides awards Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest honour in Cyprus.
(Video: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/a5eqebCyoR
— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2025
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude on social media as follows, “Humbled to receive the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’ of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations,” he tweeted on X.
In his speech, he also appreciated the cultural aspect of the moment, “It was a privilege to the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’,” Modi said, using an old Indian philosophy that translates to ‘The world is one family’.
The privilege marks Cyprus’s acknowledgment of people whose leadership or work made a significant and positive impact globally. Traditionally bestowed by the President of Cyprus, it indicates diplomatic friendship as well as appreciation for global cooperation.
