These accolades have the potential to tell a much bigger story, one that reflects not just India’s diplomatic reach but also its values, influence, and stature.
During his latest foreign tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received state honours from Nigeria, Dominica, Guyana, and Barbados. These conferments, significant in themselves, are also a reflection of India’s enhanced stature and strengthened diplomatic ties across the world. PM Modi stands not just as the most awarded Indian Prime Minister but also one of the most laureled serving world leaders.
The impressive list of honours reflects the depth of India’s diplomatic outreach, spanning from the P5 nations to the Middle East, and from its own neighbourhood to that of global powers like the United States and China. This is all the more remarkable given the complexities of navigating a shifting geopolitical landscape with ever-evolving power dynamics. The challenge is compounded by the fact that while the Indian economy is growing rapidly and climbing global ranks, it remains 4-5 times smaller than the two dominant powers, that there are 1.4 billion citizens to care for, and the internal politics and fault lines often tend to keep the nation shackled.
Special honours are often used for publicity, not analysis. However, these accolades have the potential to tell a much bigger story—one that reflects not just India’s diplomatic reach but also its values, influence, and stature.
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS
Starting with Saudi Arabia’s Order of King Abdulaziz and Afghanistan’s State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan in 2016, Prime Minister Modi has since been honoured by Palestine, Maldives, UAE, Bahrain, United States, Fiji, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Egypt, France, Greece, Bhutan, Russia, Nigeria, Dominica, Guyana, and Barbados. Notably, PM Modi became the first foreign leader to receive Bhutan’s Order of the Druk Gyalpo in 2021 and the second, after Queen Elizabeth, to be awarded Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. Most of these recognitions are firsts for an Indian Prime Minister. PM Manmohan Singh, who served a decade-long tenure before Modi, received two honours during his time in office (Saudi Arabia and Japan). The Modi era has marked a distinct rise in global recognition of India and its leadership.
In addition, PM Modi has been presented with symbolic keys to Kathmandu (Nepal), Houston (US), Abuja (Nigeria), and Georgetown (Guyana). In 2018, he was awarded the United Nations’ highest accolade, the Champions of the Earth, for spearheading the International Solar Alliance. Other awards, such as the Seoul Peace Prize for advancing global peace, and the Global Goalkeepers Award for the Swachh Bharat Mission, highlight the broad spectrum of contributions.
The growing list of honours is complemented by PM Modi’s engagement with foreign legislatures. His address to the Guyanese Parliament marked his 14th speech to a foreign legislature—the highest by any Indian leader and double that of PM Manmohan Singh. PM Modi has addressed the Joint Session of the US Congress twice (2016 and 2023) as well as the Parliaments of the UK, Australia, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, among others.
Interestingly, in terms of international honours, PM Modi and Xi Jinping are nearly tied, both far ahead of US President Joe Biden. Comparing their list of awards offers intriguing insights.
ANTIDOTES TO ANTI-INDIA PROPAGANDA
In 2020, the United States awarded PM Modi the Legion of Merit “for exceptionally meritorious service as the Prime Minister of the Republic of India from May 2014 to August 2020.” The citation highlighted Modi’s leadership in India’s rise as a global power and the strengthening of the US-India strategic partnership. This came from the same United States that, a decade earlier, had played a pivotal role in isolating Modi internationally. At the time, Modi became a convenient scapegoat to placate the global Muslim community grappling with the tragic fallout of the US-led war on terror, which had claimed countless civilian lives, including women and children. While the US swiftly rolled out the red carpet once Modi became Prime Minister, the residual impact of its visa denial and the support for certain groups that sought to tarnish his image continue to this day. It is important to remember this, as the US often resorts to tactics that harm Modi’s reputation—or, worse, that of India. Such superpower machinations diminish the significance of its top honour. In contrast, the Ebakl Award from Palau—a nation of just 18,000 people in a 50-year Compact of Free Association with the US—feels more sincere and reflective of genuine appreciation.
Before the US, PM Modi had already received top honours from Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Palestine, the Maldives, the UAE, and Bahrain. These awards counter the anti-minorities narrative that has been perpetuated to India’s detriment. Over the last decade, eight Muslim-majority countries (five with over 90% Muslim populations) have bestowed their highest state honours on Modi. Christian-majority nations have also contributed ten such awards, while one came from a Buddhist-majority country. Collectively, these 19 nations—representing a population nearing one billion—have more Muslims and Christians than India. These accolades are a billion-strong, multi-faith rebuttal to narratives portraying India as lacking religious freedom or being at high risk of genocide, instead highlighting a wide recognition of India’s development and diplomacy under the Modi government.
STORIES DON’T TELL THEMSELVES
Diplomatic moments often convey powerful messages. A few instances highlight this vividly.
In May 2023, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape, in a welcome befitting the “world’s biggest democracy” and what he regards as “the world’s biggest nation”, touched PM Modi’s feet in a gesture rooted in Indian culture of respect for elders. The striking aspect lies in its context: here was the Prime Minister of a 95.6% Christian-majority nation, a devout Christian himself, under a monarch King Charles III, embracing Indian cultural norms to honour the Indian PM.
In 2022, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, personally welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the Abu Dhabi airport. In 2023, Egypt’s Prime Minister followed suit. Most recently, Guyanese President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali greeted Prime Minister Modi with a broad smile and an enthusiastic embrace upon his arrival at the airport.
These rare gestures of personal warmth stand in stark contrast to accusations of the Indian government’s supposed anti-minority stance. Yet, the government has largely failed to capitalise on these moments, missing an opportunity to weave a broader narrative that showcases the respect India receives across diverse cultures, religions, and regions.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, India was lauded for its timely vaccine aid. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit stated that his nation had no hope of accessing vaccines but for India’s intervention. Barbados’ PM Mia Mottley acknowledged with gratitude that India sent vaccines even before PM Modi took his own jab, calling it “a genuine demonstration of generosity.” India was a friend in need to the nations in the Americas, whereas the United States was focused inwards—highlighting a fundamental difference between the guiding principles of the world’s most powerful and the largest democracies. While the US adheres to an “America First” approach regardless of who is in power, India embraces its civilisational philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).
When viewed in their entirety, the points articulated in this article, as well as other facts such as India’s quick crisis response, humanitarian assistance, and development partnerships, present a compelling picture of India—a nation that has earned respect across geographies, served as a trusted friend, and emerged as a global leader with a strong value system. However, stories don’t tell themselves; they require thoughtful presentation and consistent reinforcement. India must recognise the immense potential of these moments and achievements. Instead of limiting their use to domestic political purposes, the focus should shift to shaping global perceptions. Actively sharing its authentic story will be India’s most effective tool to counter biased narratives and elevate its stature on the world stage.
* Semu Bhatt is a strategic adviser and author, as well as the founder of FuturisIndia.