PM Modi Conferred Cyprus’ Highest Civilian Honour, Dedicates Award to 1.4 Billion Indians
GG News Bureau
Nicosia/New Delhi, 16th June: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred with Cyprus’ highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, during his official visit to the Mediterranean island nation. The award recognises his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting global peace and cooperation.
In a solemn and dignified ceremony held in Nicosia, the Prime Minister accepted the honour with deep gratitude and humility. In his remarks, PM Modi dedicated the award to the people of India, describing it as a tribute to the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus.
“This honour is not just a recognition of me, Narendra Modi – it is an honour for 1.4 billion Indians. It is a tribute to their strength and aspirations,” the Prime Minister said.
A Tribute to Shared Values and Global Unity
The Order of Makarios III is named after Cyprus’ first President and symbolizes the country’s highest civilian recognition. Prime Minister Modi noted that the award was a recognition of India’s values, cultural legacy, and global philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the belief that “the world is one family.”
“I dedicate this award to the friendship between India and Cyprus, to our shared values, and to Cyprus’s understanding of India,” he said, reaffirming India’s commitment to building inclusive and cooperative international partnerships.
Strengthening Strategic and Cultural Ties
The honour comes amid growing diplomatic and economic cooperation between India and Cyprus, especially in areas of trade, technology, maritime security, and people-to-people exchange. PM Modi’s visit marks the first official trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades and comes as Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
In his speech, PM Modi said that the recognition strengthens mutual commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, regional integrity, and prosperity. “I accept this honour on behalf of all Indians with utmost humility and gratitude,” he stated.
He concluded with a heartfelt expression of thanks: “Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you very much.”
Symbol of Diplomatic Maturity
The award is seen as a milestone in India’s expanding global outreach and underscores the deep-rooted friendship and strategic alignment between New Delhi and Nicosia. The gesture by Cyprus is also interpreted as a sign of trust in India’s rising global influence and its principled stance on international issues.
This is the latest in a series of global recognitions bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi by foreign governments, highlighting his leadership and India’s growing role on the world stage.
