PRIME Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the highest honours by Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG) for his global leadership and championing the cause of the Global South.
PM Modi was conferred with the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ Award by his counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka during his visit to the island nation. Only a handful of non-Fijians have received this honour till date.
The PM was also conferred with ‘Companion of the Order of Logohu’ during his visit to Papua New Guinea to attend the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit. The award was given to PM Modi for championing the cause of unity of Pacific Island countries and spearheading the cause of Global South, officials said.
Credit to the people: This rare award is limited to a select group of ‘Chief’ titleholders, which includes former US President Bill Clinton. It’s an acknowledgement of a non-resident in the two Pacific island nations.
In receiving the accolade in Fiji, PM Modi gave credit to the people of India and the generations of the Fiji-Indian community for playing a crucial role in cementing a special and enduring bond between the two countries.
During the nine years of his tenure as the Prime Minister of India, Modi has been bestowed with several awards from various countries, including the US, Russia and the Middle East.
PM Modi received the Legion of Merit award by the US Government in 2020. The award is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.
Long list of awards: His list of awards includes the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award, and the Order of Zayed Award. These are the highest honours awarded to non-Muslim dignitaries by Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Palestine, and the United Arab Emirates respectively.
Additionally, PM Modi has been honoured with the Order of St. Andrew Award, Russia’s highest civilian honour, and the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin, the highest honour awarded to foreign dignitaries by the Maldives.
Bhutan honoured PM Modi with the highest civilian decoration, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, in December 2021. PM Modi has also received the Seoul Peace Prize in 2018 for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth.
