Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides awarded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III on Monday. The ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
This is the highest civilian honour in Cyprus, named after Makarios III, the country’s first President. Cyprus grants this award to heads of state and individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the nation.
PM Modi Thanks Cyprus for the Honour
Modi expressed heartfelt thanks to the president, the government, and the people of Cyprus. He called the award a tribute to India’s 1.4 billion citizens.
“This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians,” he said. “It is the honour of their capabilities and aspirations… I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding.”
Modi accepted the award with humility, saying it symbolised India’s commitment to peace, security, and prosperity. “I understand the significance of this honour and accept it as a responsibility towards the relations between India and Cyprus,” he added.
#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
Stronger Ties Ahead
Modi said he believed India and Cyprus would continue to deepen their relationship. “I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights,” he stated. “Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure global environment.”
Official Reactions Highlight Partnership
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), called the award, “An award dedicated to the trusted India-Cyprus friendship and 1.4 billion people of India.”
He added that it reflected the long-standing partnership and shared goals for global peace and prosperity.
Cypriot President Christodoulides welcomed Modi at the Presidential Palace with a ceremonial greeting. The two leaders also introduced delegates from both countries.
A Historic Visit
Modi’s trip to Cyprus marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 20 years. He landed at Larnaca International Airport on Sunday and was warmly received by President Christodoulides.
The Indian community in Limassol also gave Modi a warm welcome upon his arrival.
Boosting Business Ties
Later, Modi and Christodoulides attended a business roundtable with top CEOs. Modi spoke about India’s reforms over the past ten years and emphasized opportunities in energy, innovation, and technology. “Boosting business linkages! President Nikos Christodoulides and I interacted with leading CEOs to add vigour to commercial linkages between India and Cyprus,” Modi posted on X.
The Cyprus Presidency also shared its vision for economic cooperation, “We are building more bridges… Together, we are entering a new era of strategic partnership, founded on trust and our shared values… Together, Cyprus and India send a strong message of cooperation and prosperity.”
