In a warm and dignified ceremony held in Nicosia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian honour of the Republic of Cyprus. Bestowed by President Nikos Christodoulides, this recognition not only acknowledges Prime Minister Modi’s individual statesmanship but also celebrates the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus, a partnership built on shared values and mutual admiration.
This moment marked a historic milestone in the diplomatic narrative between the two nations. The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III is awarded only to individuals of exceptional contribution to humanity, democracy, and international solidarity. By choosing to honour Prime Minister Modi with this award, Cyprus reaffirmed its recognition of India’s growing role on the global stage and Modi’s leadership in elevating India’s voice in matters of global governance, peace, development, and multilateral cooperation.
A Moment of Shared Pride
Accepting the award with humility, Prime Minister Modi expressed deep gratitude to the President, the Government, and the people of Cyprus. In his address, he dedicated the honour to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, emphasizing that the award symbolized not just a personal journey, but the aspirations, ideals, and democratic spirit of a diverse and vibrant nation.
“I receive this award not as an individual,” he said, “but as a representative of the Indian people and their rich civilisational heritage. It is a recognition of the values that India stands for—democracy, unity, peace, and global harmony.”
He also invoked the timeless Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the belief that “the world is one family” — as the guiding light behind India’s international engagement. This ethos, he stressed, is central to India’s foreign policy and underlines its commitment to global cooperation, especially in challenging times.
Celebrating an Enduring Partnership
In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the longstanding bonds between India and Cyprus, recalling that diplomatic ties were established soon after Cyprus’s independence in 1960. Since then, the two nations have consistently supported each other on various platforms — from the Non-Aligned Movement to the United Nations, and more recently, in multilateral engagements around sustainable development, climate change, and international peacekeeping.
“The ties between India and Cyprus have stood the test of time,” Modi noted, “anchored in our shared democratic values, cultural warmth, and mutual respect. Our partnership is not transactional—it is transformational.”
The Prime Minister underlined that the relationship between the two countries was no longer limited to ceremonial exchanges. He emphasized that both sides are now working toward deepening cooperation across multiple sectors — including digital innovation, renewable energy, trade, maritime security, education, and diaspora collaboration. The Grand Cross, he said, should be seen as a symbol of that renewed momentum and shared ambition.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
In his address, President Christodoulides lauded Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and praised India’s rising stature on the global stage. He highlighted India’s critical role in promoting global stability, supporting rules-based international order, and advancing inclusive development in the Global South. The President called India “a trusted friend and strategic partner” and noted that the country’s principles strongly resonate with the values cherished by Cyprus.
The President further acknowledged India’s constructive diplomacy, particularly in areas of counter-terrorism, climate justice, and equitable access to global resources. He said the award was also a recognition of India’s efforts in advocating for the voices of smaller nations and emerging economies.
A Moment of Depth and Diplomacy
As the ceremony concluded, it became clear that this gesture was more than a customary honour. It symbolized a deep diplomatic trust—one that transcends geography and is anchored in common goals for peace, prosperity, and dignity. In an era of fractured geopolitics and rising uncertainty, such moments reaffirm the potential for principled partnerships.
India’s strengthening ties with Cyprus also underscore its broader outreach to Europe and the Mediterranean region. As both nations navigate 21st-century challenges, their cooperation will likely serve as a model of meaningful diplomacy, where shared values guide shared action.
Looking Ahead
With the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III now etched into the annals of India–Cyprus relations, both countries are poised to deepen their collaboration. Prime Minister Modi’s visit, marked by this special recognition, is a reminder that India’s global friendships are grounded not in expediency, but in long-term alignment of ideals and mutual progress.
As Prime Minister Modi departed from the podium, the applause was not just for him—but for the message he carried, the people he represented, and the vision he shared. A vision of a world united not by power, but by principle. Not by dominion, but by dialogue. And not by isolation, but by inclusion.
