Five other individuals and organizations have been bestowed with the honour.
PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have been jointly recognised in the Policy Leadership category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action, including Macron's work on the Global Pact for the Environment and Modi's unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.
The six awardees have been recognized for their outstanding efforts as environmental changemakers.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said: “This years' laureates are recognised for a combination of bold, innovative, and tireless efforts to tackle some of the most urgent environmental issues of our times.”
Apart from this, Cochin International Airport has also been honoured this year with the award for Entrepreneurial Vision, for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy.
Ministry of Extrenal Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said it's a big honour to receive such award together with the President of France...It's a big honour not only for PM Modi but also for India.
Reacting to the news, Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu congratulated the Prime Minister on Twitter:
Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP President Amit Shah also tweeted to congratulate Modi on his achievement..