Latest news with #GrandCrossoftheOrderofMakariosIII


New Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
PM Modi sets record with most foreign honours for an Indian PM after receiving Cyprus's top honour
NEW DELHI: With the prestigious Cypriot national award, the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III', conferred upon him, Narendra Modi has become the first Prime Minister of India to receive the highest number of international honours and awards while in office. According to available records, Prime Minister Modi has been honoured with 28 of the highest state awards from foreign nations between 2016 and 2025, in recognition of his visionary leadership. Since India's Independence, Jawaharlal Nehru, the country's first Prime Minister, received two international honours, while Indira Gandhi was similarly awarded two. Dr Manmohan Singh also received two international honours during his tenure as Prime Minister, whereas Rajiv Gandhi did not receive any. Saudi Arabia conferred the 'Order of King Abdulaziz' upon him in 2016, while Afghanistan awarded him the 'Order of Amanullah Khan' international honour in the same year. The list of international accolades bestowed upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to grow each year. Notably, he received the 'Order of the State of Palestine' in 2018, followed by the 'Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin' from the Maldives in 2019. That same year, Bahrain honoured him with the 'King Hamad Order of the Renaissance' in Bahrain. In 2023, Prime Minister Modi was awarded the 'Order of the Nile' by Egypt, and France conferred upon him its highest civilian distinction, the 'Légion d'Honneur'. The year 2023 saw him receiving a total of three international honours, which was surpassed in 2024 when he received six such awards. So far in 2025, the Prime Minister has been conferred with three international honours.


Hans India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
PM conferred with Cyprus' highest civilian honour
Nicosia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III of Cyprus, the country's highest civilian honour. "Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations," the PM said after receiving the award. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conferred the award on the Prime Minister. The Order of Makarios III is the senior order of knighthood awarded by the country named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III. Dedicating the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, Modi said it was an award to the trusted India-Cyprus friendship. 'I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure world,' the Prime Minister said. Modi is in Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour. From Cyprus, he will travel to Canada to attend the G7 summit, and then to Croatia.


India Gazette
17-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"We look forward to closer people-to-people relations with Cyprus": PM Modi concludes landmark visit with gratitude and top honour
Nicosia [Cyprus], June 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up a significant visit to Cyprus by expressing gratitude to President Nikos Christodoulides for a guided tour of Nicosia, and voiced optimism for stronger people-to-people ties. PM Narendra Modi tweeted, 'I thank President Christodoulides for showing me parts of the historic city of Nicosia. We look forward to closer people-to-people relations with Cyprus!' The visit has paved the way for a new era in India-Cyprus relations, with both countries poised to unlock new opportunities in innovation, investment, and trade. The partnership is expected to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, with Cyprus potentially serving as a gateway to Europe for Indian businesses. Marking a key moment in the visit, Prime Minister Modi was honoured with the prestigious 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' by President Christodoulides, a gesture that recognised his role in strengthening ties between the two nations and further underscored the warmth and depth of India-Cyprus relations. 'The conferment of 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' on PM @narendramodi by President @Christodulides of Cyprus is a testimony to his personal contribution to our relationship. Confident that the award and a very successful visit to Cyprus heralds a new era in our longstanding ties,' External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X. As part of the visit, Modi and Christodoulides also explored the cultural heart of Nicosia together, further reinforcing the bond between the two countries. 'PM @narendramodi was accompanied by President @Christodulides on a walk through the historic heart of Nicosia -- a city standing firm and resilient in its onward march, reflective of the indomitable spirit of the proud people of Cyprus,' Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, wrote on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues on Monday with the two countries expressing their commitment to deepening cooperation 'as trusted and indispensable partners'. A Joint Declaration made after talks between PM Modi and Cyprus President reaffirmed the strategic bond between the two countries with the two leaders agreeing that an Action Plan is to be prepared in order to guide bilateral relations for the next five years. PM Modi's visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades, marked a historic milestone and reaffirmed the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations. 'The visit celebrates not only a shared history, but a forward-looking partnership, rooted in a joint strategic vision and mutual trust and respect,' the declaration said. During his visit, PM Modi and President Nikos Christodoulides held wide-ranging talks, covering areas such as defense and security, strengthening defense ties, with a focus on maritime security and cyber security cooperation; trade and technology, enhancing trade relations, with a goal to finalize an India-EU Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025, and exploring opportunities in fintech and digital services; healthcare and renewable energy, cooperating in healthcare and renewable energy sectors, with a focus on sustainable development and climate justice; cultural linkages, deepening cultural ties, with a growing interest in yoga and Ayurveda in Cyprus and tourism, exploring the rich potential for tourism cooperation between the two countries. A 5-year action plan was agreed upon to guide bilateral relations, focusing on trade, defense, and technology cooperation. Both leaders expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which will boost peace and prosperity in the region. The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and Cyprus Stock Exchange will collaborate in Gujarat's GIFT City, promoting economic ties. (ANI)


India Gazette
16-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand CM announces one one-day DM, SP role for board exam toppers
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 16 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that meritorious toppers of high school and intermediate in every district of the state will be given the role of District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) for a day. According to an official release, the objective of this motivational programme is to give administrative experience to the meritorious students, instill confidence in them and motivate them towards higher goals. This scheme will be implemented in the districts soon and a detailed action plan is being prepared for this. Along with this, the Chief Minister has also given instructions to organize 'River Festival'. These festivals will be organized through public participation in the name of the major rivers of the state. The objective of this event is to make the cleaning, cleanliness, revival and conservation of rivers a public campaign, the release added. The Chief Minister said that the rivers of the state are not only water sources, but are a part of our culture and lifestyle. Through 'River Festival', the general public will be made aware of water conservation and cleanliness. This initiatives of the Dhami government are not only a positive step towards honouring meritorious students but also a strong effort towards environmental protection, the release added. Earlier, CM Dhami hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III,' Cyprus' highest civilian honour, saying that it is a matter of pride to every Indian, and it shows the PM's 'unique leadership, strong foreign policy and taking India to new heights on the global stage.' 'It is a matter of pride for every Indian that Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has been awarded Cyprus' highest civilian honour 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III',' Dhami said in a post on X. PM Modi is in Cyprus in the first leg of his three-nation tour The Order of Makarios III, the highest merit honour awarded in Cyprus, is named after Makarios III, the first president of the country. It is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation. (ANI)


India Gazette
16-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurates, lays foundation stone of development projects in Kota
Kota (Rajasthan) [India], June 16 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects including a high level bridge over the Kalisindh river in Barod-Budhadit of Kota parliamentary constituency. 'Inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects including a high level bridge over the Kalisindh river in Barod-Budhadit of Kota parliamentary constituency. From bridge construction to new roads, classrooms and new buildings, these works are ensuring that no citizen is deprived of basic amenities,' Om Birla posted on X. Emphasising the significance of the infrastructure, Om Birla said, 'This bridge built between Barod and Chambal Dhipri will now not allow the movement of people to be disrupted during floods, and will connect every village, dhani and farm of the area with a strong road network. This will also directly benefit our food producers, their produce will now reach the markets faster and the pace of development will reach the villages.' 'Many efforts have been initiated from drinking water schemes to health services and making women self-reliant. I am confident that in the coming years, the Kota-Bundi region will play a leading role in Rajasthan's development model and will realize our resolve of 'all-inclusive, all-encompassing' development,' his post added. Earlier in the day, Om Birla congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being awarded the highest civilian award in Cyprus, the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.' Birla said that the award symbolises the efficient leadership of the PM Modi and reflects our country's diplomatic successes. 'Hearty congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being awarded the Republic of Cyprus' highest civilian honour, the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III'. This award not only symbolises the efficient leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, but also reflects our country's cultural richness, policy of peaceful coexistence and diplomatic inspired by this honour from the Prime Minister, more than 140 crore Indians will be more dedicated towards the development of the country and global welfare,' posted Birla on X. The Order of Makarios III, the highest merit honour awarded in Cyprus, is named after Makarios III, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus. It is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides, the government and people of Cyprus for the honour. 'President, for the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, I express heartfelt gratitude to you, the Government of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus. This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians. It is the honour of their capabilities and aspirations. It is the honour of our country's cultural brotherhood and the ideology of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding. On behalf of all Indians, I accept this honour with utmost humility and gratitude,' PM Modi said. He further said, 'This honour symbolises our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of our people. I understand the significance of this honour and accept it as a responsibility towards the relations between India and Cyprus.' He expressed confidence that the ties between two nations will touch new stated, 'I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure global environment.' Christodoulides welcomed PM Modi to the Presidential Palace in Nicosia earlier in the day. The Cypriot President and PM Modi introduced each other to the delegates from their respective countries. PM Modi reached Cyprus on Sunday afternoon (local time), marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the island nation in over two decades. He was received by the Cypriot President at Larnaca International received a heartfelt welcome from the Indian diaspora in Limassol. Upon his arrival, PM Modi, along with Cyprus President Christodoulides, interacted with leading CEOs during the business roundtable. (ANI)