Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday was conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. 

The award recognises Modi’s contributions to deepening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between India and Brazil on regional and global issues.

“Being honoured with Brazil’s highest national award by the President today is a moment of immense pride and emotion, not only for me, but also for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said during a joint press statement with President Lula following delegation-level talks.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to him (President Lula), the Brazilian government, and the people of Brazil,” he added.

Modi also said that President Lula was the architect of the India-Brazil strategic partnership, and the honour reflected the collective efforts to elevate bilateral ties. 

“The award was as much an honour to his untiring efforts to take the bilateral ties to greater heights,” the ministry of external affairs said in a statement.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the recognition would inspire the people of both countries to further strengthen their warm and friendly relationship, the release added.