On his two-day State Visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been bestowed with the country's highest civilian honor, 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.' The Mauritian government declared this great honor on Tuesday.
Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced the honor just before PM Modi spoke to the Indian community in the nation. This is the first time an Indian politician has been bestowed with the prestigious honor. It is also the 21st international award that he has been given by a foreign country.
Praising PM Modi, Ramgoolam added, "It is very appropriate for you, Prime Minister. Since we became a republic, only five visiting foreign dignitaries have received that title and among them there is one person whom we refer to as the 'Gandhi of Africa' - Nelson Mandela who received it in 1998. Let me assure you that we are highly privileged to have you amongst us today and that you could spare time out of your very, very busy schedule." The audience cheered in appreciation with a thunderous applause.
The honors come after a major recognition the Prime Minister has received in December when Kuwait issued him its most prestigious civilian award, 'The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer.' The honor recognized his phenomenal work and endeavor in strengthening bonds between the two countries.
The 'Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer' is reserved by tradition for Heads of State, foreign Sovereigns, and members of royal households as an expression of friendship. Previous dignitaries include Bill Clinton, Prince Charles, George Bush, Queen Elizabeth, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Previously, in 2023, the President of Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, awarded PM Modi Guyana's highest civilian award, 'The Order of Excellence.' The honor acknowledged his visionary leadership, voice for developing countries, dedication to building India-Guyana relations, and his remarkable service to the international community.
Likewise, at the India-CARICOM Summit, Dominica awarded its highest national award, the 'Dominica Award of Honour,' to PM Modi for India's assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and for its role in developing India-Dominica relations.
Nigeria also acknowledged PM Modi’s leadership in November by awarding him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), making him the first foreign leader to receive the distinction since Queen Elizabeth was honored in 1969.
With the conferral of the 'Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer,' PM Modi has now been awarded 20 civilian honors by different nations, highlighting his leadership as well as India's growing influence globally. Experts say these awards symbolize India's growing diplomatic engagement and rising international standing.
Prior to receiving these awards from Kuwait, Guyana, Dominica, and Nigeria, PM Modi had already received some of the world's top international awards, including:
- Saudi Arabia (2016): King Abdulaziz Sash
- Afghanistan (2016): State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan
- Palestine (2018): Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award
- UAE (2019): Order of Zayed Award
- Russia (2019): Order of St. Andrew the Apostle (awarded to PM Modi in July 2024)
- Maldives (2019): Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin
- Bahrain (2019): King Hamad Order of the Renaissance
- United States (2020): Legion of Merit by the US Armed Forces
- Bhutan (2021): Order of the Druk Gyalpo
- Papua New Guinea (2023): Ebakl Award & Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu
- Fiji (2023): Companion of the Order of Fiji
- Egypt (2023): Order of Nile
- France (2023): Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Greece (2023): Grand Cross of the Order of Honour
In 2018, he was honored with the Seoul Peace Prize by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation for his contributions to world peace and international harmony. In the same year, the United Nations awarded him the Champions of the Earth Award for his environmental leadership.
In 2019, PM Modi was the first-ever recipient of the Philip Kotler Presidential Award presented to exceptional national leaders. He also received the Global Goalkeeper Award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for converting the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan into a nationwide movement.
In 2021, he received the Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award from Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), recognizing his initiatives in global energy and environmental sustainability.
These numerous accolades highlight PM Modi’s growing influence on the world stage and the strengthening of India’s global partnerships.
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