logo
#

Latest news with #NationalOrderoftheSouthernCross

Why PM Modi's Recent Highest State Honours Reflect Global Support for Operation Sindoor
Why PM Modi's Recent Highest State Honours Reflect Global Support for Operation Sindoor

News18

time10-07-2025

  • Politics
  • News18

Why PM Modi's Recent Highest State Honours Reflect Global Support for Operation Sindoor

From Mediterranean to Atlantic, India's vision for a secure, equitable world has found resounding global backing, heralding a new chapter in its diplomatic and strategic leadership In a span of 24 days, from June 15 to July 9, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the highest civilian awards from five nations—Cyprus, Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Brazil, and Namibia. This unprecedented recognition not only celebrates PM Modi's stature as a global statesman but also underscores a resounding international endorsement of India's firm stand against terrorism, exemplified by Operation Sindoor. Through emphatic calls for zero tolerance against terror, along with strengthened defence ties and strategic cooperation in critical minerals, PM Modi's whirlwind foreign tours have reinforced India's role as a trusted leader in a multipolar world. A Historic Wave of Honours The conferment of these prestigious awards reflects India's rising global influence and Modi's personal commitment to fostering a world rooted in peace and equity. In Cyprus on June 15, President Nikos Christodoulides presented PM Modi with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, lauding his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and global cooperation. In Ghana on July 2, President John Dramani Mahama conferred the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades. Days later, on July 4, Trinidad & Tobago's President Christine Carla Kangaloo awarded The Order of the Republic, a historic first for a foreign leader, recognizing Modi's humanitarian leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic. In Brazil on July 8, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva presented the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, celebrating Modi's contributions to the Global South. Finally, on July 9, Namibia honoured PM Modi with the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, raising his tally of international honours to an impressive 27. These accolades are more than ceremonial—they signal global alignment with India's vision, especially its decisive anti-terrorism stance through Operation Sindoor, a bold military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Modi's tour, spanning three continents, intertwined diplomacy, shared values, and strategic partnerships, reinforcing India's leadership in tackling global challenges. Unified Stand Against Terrorism At every stop, PM Modi delivered a clarion call for zero tolerance against terrorism, framing it as a universal threat demanding collective resolve. In Cyprus, he declared, 'Terrorism knows no borders, and we must stand together to deny it any safe haven," setting the tone for enhanced counter-terror cooperation. In Ghana, addressing Parliament on July 3, he linked India's proactive measures, including Operation Sindoor, to a shared commitment with Africa, stating, 'Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. India and Ghana will work hand in hand to uproot this menace." In Trinidad & Tobago, speaking at the Red House on July 4, Modi invoked the nation's own history of facing terror, saying, 'This very Parliament has felt the scars of terror. We must unite to ensure terrorism finds no shelter." At the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil on July 6-7, he urged, 'BRICS nations must lead with zero tolerance for those who sponsor or shelter terrorists," a stance echoed in the summit's strong anti-terror declaration. In Namibia on July 9, Modi reaffirmed, 'India's resolve is clear—Operation Sindoor sent a message: those who threaten humanity will face justice." These consistent, forceful messages resonated across diverse audiences, amplifying India's leadership in building global consensus against terrorism. The international community's recognition of Operation Sindoor as a legitimate response to cross-border threats, highlighted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting, underscores its pivotal role in shaping this shared stand. Deepening Defence Ties PM Modi's tour significantly bolstered India's defence partnerships, positioning it as a reliable security partner. In Cyprus, discussions with President Christodoulides advanced maritime security cooperation and joint exercises in the Mediterranean, complementing India's Indo-Pacific strategy. In Ghana, the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Partnership included agreements on maritime security and defence training, with India aiding capacity-building for Ghana's forces. Trinidad & Tobago saw commitments to cybersecurity and defence training, strengthening India-CARICOM security ties. In Brazil, talks with President Lula explored collaboration on India's Akash missile system—proven effective in Operation Sindoor—and secure communication technologies, along with maintenance support for Brazil's Scorpene submarines. In Namibia, Modi's visit reinforced training programs and maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean, aligning with India's backing of African nations' security needs. These agreements reflect India's growing role as a provider of advanced defence technologies and expertise, enhancing its strategic footprint across Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Strategic Gains in Critical Minerals and Beyond Beyond defence, Modi's tour prioritised critical minerals and geostrategic cooperation, addressing India's need for secure, diversified supply chains amid China's dominance. In Cyprus, talks explored copper supplies for India's renewable energy and EV goals, alongside digital and space technology partnerships. In Ghana, agreements on critical minerals and traditional medicine aimed to double trade within five years, with India proposing secure supply chains through the Quad's mineral alliance. In Trinidad & Tobago, discussions focused on renewable energy and critical minerals, leveraging cultural ties with its large Indian-origin population to deepen economic bonds. In Brazil, Modi and Lula advanced cooperation on rare earths vital to India's green ambitions, while expanding the $12.2 billion India-MERCOSUR trade pact. In Namibia, deals on lithium and graphite supplies, along with UPI interoperability and pharmaceuticals, built on the success of India's cheetah translocation project. These partnerships position India as a counterweight to China's mineral leverage, fostering South-South cooperation and advancing Modi's vision of equitable global governance. Operation Sindoor and India's Soft Power Operation Sindoor has emerged as a cornerstone of India's global narrative, with these nations' honours signalling tacit approval of India's decisive action. On July 6 in Rio de Janeiro, the Indian diaspora welcomed Modi with a cultural performance centred on Operation Sindoor, featuring semi-classical dance to 'Saugandh Mujhe Iss Mitti Ki" and the refrain 'Ye Desh Nahi Mitne Dunga," symbolising courage and national pride. The performance, with paintings depicting the operation, was a tribute to the Armed Forces. Modi, visibly moved, praised the diaspora's efforts and their deep cultural ties. His diaspora engagements in Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago, where he announced expanded OCI card eligibility for sixth-generation Indian-origin citizens, amplified India's soft power. His push for the African Union's G20 membership and initiatives like MAHASAGAR further cemented India's leadership in the Global South. A New Era of Global Leadership top videos View all Prime Minister Modi's five-nation tour, culminating in a historic cascade of honours, marks a defining moment for India's global ascent. His firm calls for zero tolerance against terrorism, paired with strategic defence and critical mineral partnerships, have solidified India's position as a beacon of stability and progress. Accepting these honours on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, Modi has woven a narrative of resilience and unity, with Operation Sindoor as its bold centrepiece. From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, India's vision for a secure, equitable world has found resounding global backing, heralding a new chapter in its diplomatic and strategic leadership. The writer is a national spokesperson of BJP and an author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : ghana Operation Sindoor pm narendra modi trinidad and tobago view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 10, 2025, 15:46 IST News opinion Opinion | Why PM Modi's Recent Highest State Honours Reflect Global Support for Operation Sindoor Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Modi Gets Brazil's Top Honour, But Loses Missile Deal To Italy – What Went Wrong?
Modi Gets Brazil's Top Honour, But Loses Missile Deal To Italy – What Went Wrong?

India.com

time09-07-2025

  • Business
  • India.com

Modi Gets Brazil's Top Honour, But Loses Missile Deal To Italy – What Went Wrong?

New Delhi: Brazil has decided to step away from ongoing talks to acquire India's Akash air defense missile system. Once promising, the negotiations have now stalled. Officials in Brasilia are now focusing on Italy's Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solution (EMADS) instead, according to sources cited in a Deccan Herald report. The development came as Narendra Modi, on a historic state visit to Brazil, the first by an Indian prime minister in 57 years, held high-level discussions with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The two leaders shook hands on ambitious goals, including pushing bilateral trade from $12.2 billion in 2024–25 to $20 billion by 2030. Despite agreeing to deepen defense and security ties, Brazil's government has apparently decided to pursue other missile systems. EMADS from Italy now appears to be Lula's preferred choice. Yet, the optics remained warm. After the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said, 'India and Brazil's growing defense cooperation reflects deep mutual trust. As two large democracies, our collaboration matters not just for the Global South, but for humanity.' He added, 'In a world passing through tension and uncertainty, the India-Brazil partnership is a pillar of stability and balance.' During the state ceremony, President Lula honoured PM Modi the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil's highest civilian award. He emphasised his commitment to building stronger industrial defense ties between the two nations. Brazil may have stepped away from the Akash missile system for now, but it still holds interest in other Indian defense products. Talks remain active over India's coastal surveillance system and the Garuda artillery gun. PM Modi highlighted that the two nations share a clear and uncompromising stance on global terrorism. 'India and Brazil stand united in this fight. Zero tolerance and zero double standards. We strongly oppose terrorism and those who support it,' he said. The shelved Akash deal may be a setback, but the broader relationship between Brazil and India continues to move forward – with defense still very much on the table, albeit on new terms.

PM Modi conferred with Namibia's highest civilian honour — Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis
PM Modi conferred with Namibia's highest civilian honour — Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis

Mint

time09-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Mint

PM Modi conferred with Namibia's highest civilian honour — Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis

After being conferred with Brazil's highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Namibia's highest civilian honour, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. Expressing gratitude after receiving the honour, PM Modi was quoted by PTI saying, 'It is a matter of pride for me to be conferred with Namibia's highest civilian honour — The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis by Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. I thank the President, Namibian government, and people of Namibia. I accept this on behalf of 140 crore Indians.' PM Modi is visiting Namibia on a state visit at the invitation of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. He arrived in Windhoek, Namibia's capital, on Wednesday morning (local time). This visit is his first to the country and only the third time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Namibia. On Wednesday, PM Modi held discussions with the Namibian President, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation across sectors including digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, and critical minerals. "Cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals figured prominently in our discussions," PM Modi posted on the social media platform X after the meeting. "We also discussed how to boost linkages in trade, energy and petrochemicals. Expressed gratitude for the assistance from Namibia in Project Cheetah," he added. Following the discussions at the State House, both India and Namibia signed four agreements, including cooperation in health and medicine, establishing an entrepreneurship development centre in Namibia, and developing the CDRI Framework along with the Global Biofuels Alliance Framework. PM Modi arrived in Namibia from Brazil to conclude his five-nation tour and paid homage to Namibia's founding father, Sam Nujoma, at the Heroes' Acre national memorial. Nujoma was instrumental in leading Namibia to independence in 1990 and served as its first President for 15 years. After his arrival in Namibia, PM Modi informed on X, 'Landed in Windhoek a short while ago. Namibia is a valued and trusted African partner with whom we seek to boost bilateral cooperation. Looking forward to meeting President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and addressing the Namibian Parliament today.'

Brazil's top honour reflects PM Modi's impactful global leadership: Rajnath Singh
Brazil's top honour reflects PM Modi's impactful global leadership: Rajnath Singh

India Gazette

time09-07-2025

  • Politics
  • India Gazette

Brazil's top honour reflects PM Modi's impactful global leadership: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being conferred with Brazil's highest national honour, 'The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.' He said that the recognition reflected PM Modi's impactful global leadership. 'Congratulations to PM Shri @narendramodiJi on being conferred with Brazil's highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross,' Rajnath Singh said in a post on X. 'This prestigious recognition reflects his impactful global leadership and highlights the growing respect for India on the world stage. A proud and inspiring moment for our people,' he added. Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also congratulated the Prime Minister. He called the award a proud moment for all Indians, describing it as a symbol of Bharat's growing global stature. 'Congratulations to Hon. PM Shri @narendramodiJi on being conferred with Brazil's highest national honour, 'The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross',' Adityanath wrote in a post on X. He further added, 'This prestigious recognition reflects your visionary leadership and dedicated efforts in strengthening India-Brazil relations through trust, cooperation, and shared global goals. A proud moment for all Indians and a symbol of the growing global stature of Bharat.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the highest civilian honour by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday. PM Modi, who was on a State Visit to Brazil after participating in the BRICS Summit, received a warm ceremonial welcome at the Alvorada Palace in Brazil on Tuesday. PM Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva shared a hug as the President received the PM at Alvorada Palace in Brasilia, Brazil. He shared a unique moment of enjoying a harmonium performance alongside the Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. PM Modi enjoyed the Indian classical musical presentation, which used traditional instruments such as the Harmonium and Tabla, at his ceremonial welcome at Alvorada Palace in Brasilia. 'Broadening the horizons of the Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi warmly received by President @LulaOficial and First Lady @JanjaLula at the Alvorada Palace with a guard of honour & ceremonial welcome. Bilateral talks lie ahead,' posted Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs. During his visit, PM Modi also expressed that India and Brazil share a unified approach towards the global fight against terrorism, emphasising 'zero tolerance and zero double standards.' He further highlighted the growing defence cooperation between the two nations as a 'symbol of deep mutual trust.' (ANI)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store