NICOSIA, June 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday honoured with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian award of the Republic of Cyprus. The prestigious recognition was presented by President Nikos Christodoulides during PM Modi’s official visit to the Mediterranean nation.
In his remarks, PM Modi expressed deep gratitude to the Cypriot leadership and dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion citizens of India. “This honour is not just for me, but for 1.4 billion Indians. It reflects our civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family,” he said, underscoring India’s commitment to global peace and cooperation.
Instituted in 1981 and named after Cyprus’s first President, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III is bestowed upon distinguished personalities who contribute to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting international goodwill. The award is among Cyprus’s most revered decorations and is rarely conferred on foreign dignitaries.
Describing the honour as a symbol of the growing partnership between India and Cyprus, PM Modi noted the shared democratic values, mutual trust, and aspirations that bind the two nations. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with Cyprus across diverse sectors including trade, innovation, education, and culture.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Cyprus comes amid efforts to expand bilateral cooperation and enhance India’s outreach to Europe. Both countries are exploring greater synergy in renewable energy, digital transformation, and people-to-people exchanges.
President Christodoulides praised PM Modi’s leadership and India’s global contributions, calling the honour a recognition of the strategic partnership between the two democracies.
