Why Did PM Modi Thank President Lula for Brazil's Highest National Honour?

Brasilia, July 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sincere appreciation to the citizens of Brazil, its administration, and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for receiving the prestigious accolade - 'The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross'. The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt thanks to the President, the government, and the populace of Brazil for this distinguished recognition, as reported by an official statement.

Upon accepting the award, PM Modi remarked that this honour serves as a tribute to the 1.4 billion citizens of India and the lasting friendship between India and Brazil.

He further acknowledged President Lula as the architect of the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, emphasizing that the award also reflects the tireless efforts to elevate bilateral relations, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi stated: "I’m honoured to have been conferred ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.’ My gratitude goes to President Lula, the Government, and the people of Brazil. This demonstrates the deep affection the Brazilian people hold for the Indian populace. May our friendship achieve even greater success in the future."

This highest honour from Brazil was bestowed upon PM Modi during his ongoing State Visit to the nation on Tuesday.

This accolade marks the 26th global honour for PM Modi and the third recognition during his current five-nation tour, which commenced on July 2.

On Friday, PM Modi became the first foreign leader to receive 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago', the highest civilian award of the Caribbean nation, during a brief visit to Port of Spain.

Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, Kamala Persad Bissessar, praised PM Modi, stating that the honour acknowledges his global leadership, strong ties with the Indian diaspora, and humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last Wednesday, PM Modi received the 'Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', the national honour of Ghana, in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential leadership, awarded by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama in Accra, just prior to heading to Trinidad.

These awards signify PM Modi's unparalleled stature, as analysts assert that no Indian Prime Minister has previously had such a profound global influence, establishing him as a global statesman dedicated to regional peace, development, and spiritual diplomacy.

Earlier in June, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides awarded PM Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.

This year, both Mauritius and Sri Lanka have conferred their highest civilian honours upon PM Modi.

In April, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented PM Modi with 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana', the highest civilian honour for Heads of State and Government, recognizing his efforts in strengthening ties between the two nations.

The granting of this award was seen as a powerful symbol of shared destinies, spiritual kinship, and a vision for progress rooted in mutual respect and trust.

In March, during the National Day celebrations in Port Louis, Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool also awarded PM Modi the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' (GCSK), the highest civilian honour of Mauritius, marking the first time an Indian leader received this distinction.

On Tuesday, PM Modi received a warm welcome from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia at the commencement of his State Visit to the country following participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.