Prime Minister Narendra Modi Honoured with Brazil’s Highest Civilian Award
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, the highest civilian distinction in Brazil, from Brazilian Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Grand Collar represents Brazilian recognition of the strengthening diplomatic, economic and cultural ties which connect India and Brazil.
It is important to note that this award is not simply an accolade for the Prime Minister but also a signal of the growing international recognition of India’s leadership and India’s growing global influence.
The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross is the highest non-military honour in Brazil and is awarded to heads of state or heads of government who made noteworthy contributions to strengthen Brazil’s relations with other countries.
There is no doubt that by awarding this honour to Prime Minister Modi, Brazil has recognized his contribution to the further development of the India-Brazil strategic partnership and of strengthening cooperation through international forums such as BRICS, G20, and United Nations.
A Political Statement and a Portrait of a Strong and Deepening India-Brazil Relationship
This honour is a political statement and crystalizes the strength of the relationship between India’s and Brazil’s political engagements. Both countries have similar values which include respect for sovereignty, sustainable development and a commitment to a multipolar world order. Barrier-free two-way collaboration to date has been found in a mix of areas including those listed below:
• Trade and investment
• Renewable energy
• Agricultural technology
• Space research
• Global governance
Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has built bridges that have connected India and Brazil even more strongly, in many multilateral forums and regional conversations.
Pride for India on International Platforms
This is the 26th international award or honour which has been conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi by a foreign country to date, since he took office in May 2014. These accolades are indicative of India’s diplomatic robustness, growing economic power, and increasing trust in India’s leadership on the international stage.
Brazil has, through awarding the honour to Prime Minister Modi, also recognised India’s increasing significance in establishing a broader course of policy for an increasingly fragmented world, especially within the Global South.
This award announcement has garnered wide appreciation within India. Leaders across India have shared their appreciation of the honour, calling it a proud moment for all Indians. Many leaders have recognised this award as recognition not only of Modi’s quest for strong diplomacy, but also a recognition of India’s growing importance in international affairs.