In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with the highest civilian honour of Cyprus — Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III — on Monday, during his visit to the country.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Cyprus for conferring upon me ‘The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.’ This isn’t my honour. It is an honour for 140 crore Indians. I dedicate this award to the everlasting friendship between India and Cyprus. Together, our nations will contribute towards making a better planet,” PM Modi posted on X.

Addressing on the occasion, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the President of Cyprus and its government for the honour and said that this was an honour to the ideology of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.

He dedicated the honour to the India-Cyprus relations and “mutual understanding”.

“President, for the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, I express heartfelt gratitude to you, the Government of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus. This is an honour not just to Narendra Modi but to 140 crore Indians; this is an honour to their capabilities and aspirations. This is an honour to our culture, brotherhood and the ideology of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. I dedicate this to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus, our shared values and mutual understanding. On behalf of all Indians, I accept this honour with great humility and thankfulness. This award is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, regional integrity and our people,” he said.