During his historic visit to Cyprus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian honour of the Mediterranean nation. The award was presented by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at a special ceremony in Nicosia on June 16, 2025.
What Is the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III?
- Named after Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus, the Order was established in 1991 to recognize exceptional service and leadership.
- The Grand Cross is one of the highest grades within the Order, typically reserved for Heads of State and distinguished global leaders.
- It symbolizes Cyprus’s appreciation for contributions that positively impact the nation or the international community.
Why Was PM Modi Honoured?
- The award acknowledges PM Modi’s visionary leadership, his role in strengthening India-Cyprus ties, and his commitment to global peace and cooperation.
- Modi dedicated the honour to the 1.4 billion people of India and the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the belief that “the world is one family”.
Significance of the Honour
- This is the first time an Indian Prime Minister has received Cyprus’s top civilian award.
- It marks a milestone in India-Cyprus diplomatic relations, reinforcing shared values of democracy, sovereignty, and multilateralism.
