A Global Salute to Modiji: How the World Is Honouring India’s Leader and His Vision

Introduction: A New Face of Indian Leadership on the World Stage

The 21st century has ushered in a new era of Indian diplomacy. At the heart of this transformation stands Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose leadership has redefined India's international identity. From an emerging economy with limited geopolitical leverage, India under Modiji has become a decisive player in global affairs. His strategic clarity, strong oratory, and relentless outreach have turned him into a respected voice of the Global South and a trusted partner for nations across ideological divides.

PM Modi underlined how India's presidency of the G20 elevated the concerns of the developing world | NDTV

This rising influence has not gone unnoticed. Since taking office in 2014, Modiji has been honoured with 27 prestigious international awards, many of them the highest state honours conferred by foreign governments — a rare diplomatic achievement in modern global politics. Among these, the recognition from Middle Eastern nations stands out as particularly significant, reflecting India’s unprecedented diplomatic outreach to the Islamic world under Modiji’s leadership.

Middle East: From Transactional Ties to Strategic Brotherhood

For decades, India’s engagement with the Middle East — often referred to as West Asia — was primarily transactional, based on crude oil imports and labor migration. However, under Modiji, these relations have undergone a remarkable strategic shift. He has built personal rapport with Gulf monarchs, strengthened trade and security partnerships, and projected India as a balanced and mature regional power. These efforts have earned him the highest civilian honours from multiple influential Middle Eastern nations.

United Arab Emirates – Order of Zayed (2019)

In 2019, the UAE conferred upon Modiji the Order of Zayed, its most prestigious civilian award. This honor acknowledged his role in elevating India-UAE ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Modiji’s outreach included cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, fintech, infrastructure, and diaspora welfare. His diplomatic warmth and cultural respect won over Emirati leadership, transforming bilateral ties into a powerful regional alliance.

Saudi Arabia – Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (2016)

One of the earliest signs of Modiji’s growing stature in the Islamic world was the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud, conferred by Saudi Arabia in 2016. The award recognized India’s enhanced cooperation with the kingdom in counterterrorism, defense, and energy diversification. Modiji’s visit to Riyadh marked a new beginning, showcasing how India could be both a partner in security and a force for regional stability.

Bahrain – King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (2019)

During his historic visit to Bahrain — the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister — Modiji received the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance. This gesture reflected Bahrain’s appreciation for Modiji’s initiatives toward strengthening cultural ties and supporting the Indian diaspora, which forms a large portion of Bahrain’s population. It was also symbolic of India’s balanced policy across the Sunni-led Gulf nations.

Palestine – Grand Collar of the State of Palestine (2018)

Modiji’s 2018 visit to Palestine was unprecedented. It marked the first standalone visit by an Indian Prime Minister and emphasized India’s continued support for a sovereign Palestinian state. In return, the Palestinian government awarded him the Grand Collar, their highest civilian honor. It was a rare recognition — not just for bilateral ties, but for Modiji’s ability to maintain warm relations with both Israel and Palestine, a diplomatic tightrope few world leaders can walk successfully.

Kuwait – Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer (2024)

In December 2024, during an official visit, Modiji was honored with the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, the highest decoration of the State of Kuwait. This latest addition to his Middle Eastern honors reinforced India’s growing importance as a strategic and cultural ally. The visit saw agreements in energy security, diaspora protection, and infrastructure investment, further deepening the Indo-Kuwaiti partnership.

Global Recognition: A Widening Circle of Influence

While the Middle East has showered Modiji with honors, his diplomatic influence extends far beyond the Arab world. Countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas have recognized his efforts to build stronger bilateral relations, promote development, and champion global causes like climate action and anti-terrorism.

Africa and the Indian Ocean Region

In Namibia, Modiji was recently awarded the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, making it his 27th international honour as of July 2025. This was followed by similar top awards from Mauritius and Ghana, acknowledging his consistent advocacy for African development and his efforts to build South-South cooperation. Modiji’s visits to Africa have resulted in educational, agricultural, and digital partnerships that uplift local economies and reinforce India’s role as a responsible development partner.

Caribbean and South America

In July 2025, Trinidad and Tobago honoured Modiji with the Order of the Republic, making him the first foreign head of government to receive this award. This reflects his special outreach to nations with large Indian-origin populations. Around the same time, Brazil awarded him the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, the country’s highest civilian honor, cementing ties between two of the world’s largest democracies in the Global South.

United States, Russia, and Beyond

Earlier recognitions such as the Legion of Merit from the United States in 2020 and the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle from Russia in 2019 show how Modiji’s diplomacy has transcended ideological divides. Whether it is Washington or Moscow, New Delhi under Modiji has been able to engage major powers while maintaining its strategic autonomy — a key hallmark of his foreign policy.

The Significance of 27 International Awards

Receiving 27 state honors — many of them the highest national civilian decorations — is not just an accolade for Modiji as an individual. It is a recognition of India’s rising global profile under his leadership. These honors represent mutual trust, shared values, and strategic alignment. They also reflect India’s growing role in shaping international conversations — from digital diplomacy and global health to counter-terrorism and environmental responsibility.

What is even more remarkable is that many of these awards come from Muslim-majority countries — breaking past stereotypes and projecting India as a cultural and diplomatic bridge. This achievement is especially notable given the domestic and international scrutiny surrounding India’s internal policies. Through active diplomacy and personal rapport, Modiji has succeeded in projecting India as a country committed to peace, stability, and mutual respect.

Conclusion: A Respected Leader, A Rising Nation

As the world navigates complex geopolitical transitions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands out as a statesman who commands global respect. His foreign policy is not one of isolation or reactive diplomacy — but of proactive, purposeful engagement. The honors conferred upon him are more than ceremonial. They are expressions of trust, respect, and partnership between nations and a recognition of India’s indispensable role in the 21st-century world order.

From the deserts of Arabia to the rainforests of South America, from island nations in the Indian Ocean to bustling capitals of Europe and Africa — Modiji’s leadership has resonated far and wide. These 27 awards tell the story of a leader whose vision has not only elevated India but also inspired confidence in a world seeking steady hands and wise voices.

(Sources: The Print, Times of India, NDTV, LiveMint, The Hindu, India Today, IndiaTV News, PIB)