Over the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as one of the most decorated global leaders in recent history, receiving more than 28 global honours, including the highest civilian and state honours from nations spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. These awards are far more than ceremonial gestures—they represent trust, respect, and the deepening diplomatic ties forged under Modi’s leadership. Each honour reflects India’s growing stature on the world stage, highlighting the country’s role as a key partner in trade, technology, climate action, and security.
The journey of these accolades began in 2016 when PM Modi was awarded Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Sash, the highest civilian honour for non-Muslims, and Afghanistan’s State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan. These early recognitions marked the beginning of a steady stream of honours that would follow, underscoring India’s strengthening relationships with strategic partners. By 2018, Modi had received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, a prestigious civilian distinction, and the United Nations’ Champions of the Earth award—the UN’s highest environmental honour—for his efforts in promoting solar energy and reducing plastic waste.
PM @narendramodi received the Key to the City of Buenos Aires from Mr. @jorgemacri, Chief of the City Government of Buenos Aires. pic.twitter.com/jQp27l9v9w
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 5, 2025
Strengthening Ties with the Gulf and Beyond
The year 2019 proved to be a landmark period as PM Modi was honored with three of the Gulf region’s top civilian awards: the Order of Zayed from the UAE, the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance from Bahrain, and the Order of Nishan Izzuddeen from the Maldives. These honors underscored India’s deepening engagement with the Gulf nations, a relationship built on energy cooperation, trade, and the welfare of the Indian diaspora. In 2020, the United States recognized Modi’s leadership with the Legion of Merit, a distinguished military decoration, further cementing India’s strategic partnership with Washington.
The period between 2023 and 2025 saw an unprecedented surge in international recognition for PM Modi. In May 2023 alone, he received top civilian awards from three Pacific Island nations—Papua New Guinea’s Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, Fiji’s Companion of the Order of Fiji, and Palau’s Ebakl Award. These honors highlighted India’s growing outreach to smaller but strategically significant nations. Shortly after, France conferred upon him the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, its highest civilian distinction, while Egypt awarded him the Order of the Nile.
A New Wave of Honors in 2024 and 2025
The momentum continued into 2024, with Bhutan bestowing the Order of the Dragon King and Russia presenting the prestigious Order of St. Andrew. By late 2024 and early 2025, PM Modi’s honor roll expanded further as Nigeria awarded him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Kuwait honored him with the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Mauritius granted him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka and Cyprus followed suit, awarding him the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana and the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, respectively.
The most recent additions came during PM Modi’s five-nation tour in July 2025, which included Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Trinidad & Tobago made history by awarding him the Order of the Republic—the first time a foreign leader had received this honor. Brazil presented him with the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, its highest civilian award, while Namibia recognized his diplomatic efforts with the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. These honors brought his total to an impressive 28, making him the most internationally decorated Indian prime minister in history.
What These Global honours Truly Represent
Beyond the medals and ceremonial titles, these accolades tell a story of a leader who has actively shaped India’s global relationships. From spearheading initiatives like the International Solar Alliance to strengthening India’s role in forums such as BRICS and the G20, PM Modi’s diplomatic efforts have positioned India as a key player in global affairs. Each award reflects shared interests—whether in energy, climate action, trade, or security—and signals a deep strategic alignment between India and the awarding nations.
As of July 2025, PM Modi’s collection of over 28 international honors stands as a testament to India’s rising influence and the trust it has built with nations across the world. These recognitions are not just personal milestones for Modi but also symbols of India’s growing role as a trusted global partner. They weave together a larger narrative of a nation that is no longer just a regional power but a key architect of 21st-century diplomacy.