On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Brazil’s highest civilian honor, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.

The award was presented by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, acknowledging PM Modi’s significant efforts in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting India-Brazil collaboration on major global platforms.

“Today, receiving Brazil’s highest national award from the President fills me with immense pride and emotion, not just for myself but for 140 crore Indians as well. I extend my sincere thanks to him, the Brazilian government, and the people of Brazil,” he stated.

This marks the 26th international accolade given to PM Modi by a foreign government since he took office in May 2014.

Established in 1822 by Emperor Pedro I, the National Order of the Southern Cross is Brazil’s most esteemed decoration, awarded solely to foreign nationals who have provided exceptional service to Brazil or have significantly contributed to bilateral relations. The Grand Collar represents the highest rank within this order.

The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross has been previously awarded to notable world leaders, including former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, former French President Charles de Gaulle, former Argentine President Juan Perón, former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, former Spanish King Juan Carlos I, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.