Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Bhutan's highest civilian award. He became the first non-Bhutanese to receive 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo'.

PM Modi becomes first non-Bhutanese to receive 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo’

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron conferred Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the country's highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, during his official visit to France.</p>

<p>Napoleon Bonaparte had established the Legion of Honour which consists of five degrees, among which the Indian prime minister was awarded the highest, the Grand Cross. The colour of the ribbon is red, and a five-armed Maltese asterisk on an oak along with laurel wreath is featured on the badge.</p>

<p>Although the membership remains typically reserved for French nationals, foreign individuals who are either serving France or upholding its ideals can also receive this distinction. Annually, around 300 foreign nationals are awarded this honour, in a total membership of over 79,000.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/modis-visit-to-paris-is-about-repositioning-indian-role-in-european-peace-and-security-615061">Modi’s visit to Paris is about repositioning Indian role in European peace and security</a></p>

<p>“A warm gesture embodying the spirit of Indo-French partnership. PM Narendra Modi conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest award in France by President Emmanuel Macron,” said the Ministry of External Affairs on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A warm gesture embodying the spirit of 🇮🇳-🇫🇷 partnership.<br />
<br />
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest award in France by President <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>. <a href="https://t.co/OyiHCHMDX2">pic.twitter.com/OyiHCHMDX2</a></p>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1679612580740907008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As stated on the official website, the Legion of Honor is a reward given in France for “outstanding merit acquired in the service of the nation in a civilian or military capacity”.</p>

<p>“Foreigners may be decorated with the Legion of Honor if they have rendered services (e.g. cultural or economic) to France or supported causes defended by France, such as human rights, freedom of the press, or humanitarian action. State visits are also an occasion for conferring the Legion of Honor upon official figures, pursuant to diplomatic reciprocity and thereby supporting the foreign policy of France,” according to the award criteria.</p>

<p>Expressing his gratitude at the honour received, PM Modi tweeted, "It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President&nbsp;@EmmanuelMacron, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for furthering friendship with our nation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for… <a href="https://t.co/Nw7V1JVgpb">pic.twitter.com/Nw7V1JVgpb</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1679734559477252096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>PM's two-day visit to France</strong></h2>

<p>The prime minister is on a two-day state visit to France. He will be the Guest of Honour French National Day (Bastille Day) celebrations to be held on Friday. On the occasion, Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past.</p>

<p>After landing in Paris on Thursday, the Indian diaspora met the prime minister in Paris. They gave a warm welcome to PM Modi while raising slogans “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;PM Modi in France: PM holds talks with French PM, senate president after landing in Paris</strong></p>

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<p>Modi held talks with his French counterpart Elizabeth Borne and met with France’s Senate leader. He addressed the Indian diaspora gathered at the famed performing arts centre La Seine Musicale. Later, Indian PM attended a private dinner hosted by Macron and his wife Brigette Macron at their official residence of Elysee Palace in Paris.</p>

<p>The prime minister's visit to France coincides with 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership shared between the two nations.</p>

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French President Emmanuel Macron conferred Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the country's highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, during his official visit to France.

French President Emmanuel Macron conferred Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the country's highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, during his official visit to France. Napoleon Bonaparte had established the Legion of Honour which consists of five degrees, among which the Indian prime minister was awarded the highest, the Grand Cross. The colour of the ribbon is red, and a five-armed Maltese asterisk on an oak along with laurel wreath is featured on the badge. Although the membership remains typically reserved for French nationals, foreign individuals who are either serving France or upholding its ideals can also receive this distinction. Annually, around 300 foreign nationals are awarded this honour, in a total membership of over 79,000. ALSO READ | Modi’s visit to Paris is about repositioning Indian role in European peace and security “A warm gesture embodying the spirit of Indo-French partnership. PM Narendra Modi conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest award in France by President Emmanuel Macron,” said the Ministry of External Affairs on Twitter. A warm gesture embodying the spirit of 🇮🇳-🇫🇷 partnership. PM @narendramodi conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest award in France by President @EmmanuelMacron. pic.twitter.com/OyiHCHMDX2 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) July 13, 2023 × As stated on the official website, the Legion of Honor is a reward given in France for “outstanding merit acquired in the service of the nation in a civilian or military capacity”. “Foreigners may be decorated with the Legion of Honor if they have rendered services (e.g. cultural or economic) to France or supported causes defended by France, such as human rights, freedom of the press, or humanitarian action. State visits are also an occasion for conferring the Legion of Honor upon official figures, pursuant to diplomatic reciprocity and thereby supporting the foreign policy of France,” according to the award criteria. Expressing his gratitude at the honour received, PM Modi tweeted, "It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President @EmmanuelMacron, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for furthering friendship with our nation." It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President @EmmanuelMacron, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for… pic.twitter.com/Nw7V1JVgpb — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 14, 2023 × PM's two-day visit to France The prime minister is on a two-day state visit to France. He will be the Guest of Honour French National Day (Bastille Day) celebrations to be held on Friday. On the occasion, Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past. After landing in Paris on Thursday, the Indian diaspora met the prime minister in Paris. They gave a warm welcome to PM Modi while raising slogans “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. WATCH | PM Modi in France: PM holds talks with French PM, senate president after landing in Paris Modi held talks with his French counterpart Elizabeth Borne and met with France’s Senate leader. He addressed the Indian diaspora gathered at the famed performing arts centre La Seine Musicale. Later, Indian PM attended a private dinner hosted by Macron and his wife Brigette Macron at their official residence of Elysee Palace in Paris. The prime minister's visit to France coincides with 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership shared between the two nations. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's PM Modi conferred with France’s highest civilian award by Macron

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Bhutan's highest civilian award, the Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo, on Friday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The news was announced on social media by Bhutan's Prime Minister's Office.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, expressed his delight on Facebook after hearing "His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji's Narendra Modi name for the highest civilian decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo".<br />
<br />
"Overjoyed to hear His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji’s Narendra Modi name for the highest civilian decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo. HM highlighted all the unconditional friendship and support Modiji extended over the years and particularly during pandemic. Much deserving! Congratulations from the people of Bhutan. In all interactions, seen Your Excellency as a great, spiritual human being. Looking forward to celebrating the honour in person," PMO, Bhutan said in a Social media post.</p>

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<p>It is the highest decoration awarded in recognition of a lifetime of service to the people and Kingdom of Bhutan.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">It was established on November 7, 2008, by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to honour those who have dedicated their lives to serving Bhutan's nation and people.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Bhutan is the most recent and closest of India's neighbours to honour Prime Minister Modi with its highest civilian honour.</p>

<p>Previously, the current Prime Minister of India has received top honours from Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, the Maldives, Palestine, and Bahrain.</p>

<p>The award is in recognition of India's welcoming attitude toward Bhutan under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.</p>

<p>Vaccines, medications, and other emergency services were provided by India to the neighbouring countries during the pandemic.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Bhutan's highest civilian award, the Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo, on Friday. The news was announced on social media by Bhutan's Prime Minister's Office.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Bhutan's highest civilian award, the Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo, on Friday. The news was announced on social media by Bhutan's Prime Minister's Office. Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, expressed his delight on Facebook after hearing "His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji's Narendra Modi name for the highest civilian decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo". "Overjoyed to hear His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji’s Narendra Modi name for the highest civilian decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo. HM highlighted all the unconditional friendship and support Modiji extended over the years and particularly during pandemic. Much deserving! Congratulations from the people of Bhutan. In all interactions, seen Your Excellency as a great, spiritual human being. Looking forward to celebrating the honour in person," PMO, Bhutan said in a Social media post. × It is the highest decoration awarded in recognition of a lifetime of service to the people and Kingdom of Bhutan. It was established on November 7, 2008, by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to honour those who have dedicated their lives to serving Bhutan's nation and people. Bhutan is the most recent and closest of India's neighbours to honour Prime Minister Modi with its highest civilian honour. Previously, the current Prime Minister of India has received top honours from Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, the Maldives, Palestine, and Bahrain. The award is in recognition of India's welcoming attitude toward Bhutan under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. Vaccines, medications, and other emergency services were provided by India to the neighbouring countries during the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Bhutan confers highest civilian honour on Indian PM Modi, thanks him for support

Padma Awards 2021: Foreign dignitaries honoured by highest civilian awards of India

<p>Over the weekend, two countries of the Islamic world - the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain - honoured PM Modi with their top honours. While UAE's Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred his country's highest civilian award - The Zayed Medal, Bahrain's king honoured PM Modi with '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bahrain-honours-pm-modi-with-king-hamad-order-of-the-renaissance-245393">King Hamad Order of the Renaissance</a>'.</p>

<p>While accepting Bahrain's award PM said, "I feel very honoured and fortunate to be awarded 'The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance'. I am equally honoured by your majesty's friendship for me and for my country. I humbly accept this prestigious honour on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians."</p>

<p>In all, six times countries from the Islamic world have had honoured PM Modi with their top honours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first Islamic country was Saudi Arabia in April 2016 which awarded 'King Abdulaziz Sash' award' to PM Modi. Afghanistan in June 2016 honoured PM Modi with 'Amir Amanullah Khan' award which was followed by Palestine, which conferred the 'Grand Collar of the State of Palestine' award in February 2018.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, the Maldives conferred ‘Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen’ to PM Modi in June 2019 which was the first foreign visit of PM Modi after taking charge in the second term.</p>

<p>India and the Islamic world has seen a growing engagement and strengthing of ties.&nbsp;Responding to WION on a question on ties with the&nbsp;Islamic&nbsp;world,&nbsp;TS Tirumurti, secretary economic relations, Ministry of External Affairs said,&nbsp;"Our engagement has been extremely robust and our relations with the&nbsp;Arab countries and many of the other countries are at an all-time high. There is absolutely no doubt about it, our relations with the Gulf are at an all-time high. And there is absolutely no question of the fact that we enjoy excellent relations with the&nbsp;Islamic&nbsp;world."</p>

<p>Two-way investment between West Asia and India has been increasing. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia backed Saudi&nbsp;Aramco - one of the&nbsp;world's largest company by revenue and announced that it will acquire 20 per cent stake in Reliance's oil, making it India's largest foreign direct investment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi has also been honoured with UN's highest environmental honour, 'Champions of the Earth' award (2018), the '2018 Seoul Peace Prize' and Russia's highest civilian award the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle'.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, there has been outrage in Pakistan over PM Modi being conferred the top civilian award of the UAE. Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, along with the parliamentary delegation, has cancelled his scheduled UAE visit in light of PM Modi visit to the UAE.</p>

<p>Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reacted to the cancellation of the visit and said, while "we should respect his decision, he became too&nbsp;sentimental".</p>

<p>He explained,&nbsp;"the UAE is our friend and they have supported us," adding, "just one year ago they bailed us out".</p>


Over the weekend, two countries of the Islamic world - the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain - honoured PM Modi with their top honours. While UAE's Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred his country's highest civilian award - The Zayed Medal, Bahrain's king honoured PM Modi with 'King Hamad Order of the Renaissance'.

Over the weekend, two countries of the Islamic world - the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain - honoured PM Modi with their top honours. While UAE's Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred his country's highest civilian award - The Zayed Medal, Bahrain's king honoured PM Modi with 'King Hamad Order of the Renaissance'. While accepting Bahrain's award PM said, "I feel very honoured and fortunate to be awarded 'The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance'. I am equally honoured by your majesty's friendship for me and for my country. I humbly accept this prestigious honour on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians." In all, six times countries from the Islamic world have had honoured PM Modi with their top honours. The first Islamic country was Saudi Arabia in April 2016 which awarded 'King Abdulaziz Sash' award' to PM Modi. Afghanistan in June 2016 honoured PM Modi with 'Amir Amanullah Khan' award which was followed by Palestine, which conferred the 'Grand Collar of the State of Palestine' award in February 2018. Earlier this year, the Maldives conferred ‘Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen’ to PM Modi in June 2019 which was the first foreign visit of PM Modi after taking charge in the second term. India and the Islamic world has seen a growing engagement and strengthing of ties. Responding to WION on a question on ties with the Islamic world, TS Tirumurti, secretary economic relations, Ministry of External Affairs said, "Our engagement has been extremely robust and our relations with the Arab countries and many of the other countries are at an all-time high. There is absolutely no doubt about it, our relations with the Gulf are at an all-time high. And there is absolutely no question of the fact that we enjoy excellent relations with the Islamic world." Two-way investment between West Asia and India has been increasing. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia backed Saudi Aramco - one of the world's largest company by revenue and announced that it will acquire 20 per cent stake in Reliance's oil, making it India's largest foreign direct investment. PM Modi has also been honoured with UN's highest environmental honour, 'Champions of the Earth' award (2018), the '2018 Seoul Peace Prize' and Russia's highest civilian award the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle'. Meanwhile, there has been outrage in Pakistan over PM Modi being conferred the top civilian award of the UAE. Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, along with the parliamentary delegation, has cancelled his scheduled UAE visit in light of PM Modi visit to the UAE. Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reacted to the cancellation of the visit and said, while "we should respect his decision, he became too sentimental". He explained, "the UAE is our friend and they have supported us," adding, "just one year ago they bailed us out".

6 times Islamic countries honoured PM Modi with their highest awards 

PM Modi receives UAE's highest civilian award. Putin, Queen Elizabeth has received this award previously.

Brahma Chellaney, Strategic affairs expert on UAE's Zayed Medal to PM Modi