‘PM Modi Holds Distinction Of Being First Foreign Head Of Govt To…’: Foreign Secretary On Greece Visit

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that the 'The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour' awarded to PM Modi acknowledges his contributions to India's economic progress, fostering bilateral relations with Greece.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first Foreign Head of Government to be honored with 'The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour' by the Greek government, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Friday. This prestigious accolade was bestowed during Prime Minister Modi's official visit to Greece. In a press briefing addressing Prime Minister Modi's Greece visit, Kwatra stated, "The PM was bestowed with 'The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour,' an esteemed award of the Greek Government. He holds the distinction of being the first Foreign Head of the Government to receive this honor."

According to news agency ANI, Kwatra emphasised that the award acknowledges PM Modi's contributions to India's economic progress, fostering bilateral relations with Greece, and his commitment to championing international initiatives for environmental protection and climate change. He said, "The accompanying citation acknowledges the PM's role in India's economic progress and prosperity, as well as in fostering friendship and bilateral relations with Greece."

Kwatra also highlighted, "The Prime Minister received an exceptional welcome, and his discussions with his Greek counterpart, the Prime Minister of Greece, were extensive and led to significant and productive outcomes." 

The Order of Honour, established in 1975, depicts the head of the goddess Athena on its front side, with the inscription "ONLY THE RIGHTEOUS SHOULD BE HONOURED." The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour is granted by the President of Greece to Prime Ministers and notable figures who, by virtue of their esteemed positions, have contributed to enhancing Greece's stature.

According to Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, the Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to Greek counterpart at the loss of life and property caused by the forest fires in Greece." The country had witnessed severe wildfires and heatwaves in July, leading to evacuations of tourists and impacting various regions, including the iconic attraction, the Acropolis.

Furthermore, Kwatra informed that both Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Prime Minister Modi addressed a session with CEOs from both sides in Athens. "The two prime ministers just concluded addressing a session with the CEOs of the business community of both sides. In terms of key outcomes and decisions, I would like to highlight the important ones..." Kwatra stated, as quoted by ANI.

"First and foremost, the two leaders decided to impart a strategic impulse to the relationship... and the ties between India and Greece have been elevated to the status of a strategic partnership," he added.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Greece, he and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis issued a joint statement, announcing the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a "strategic partnership." The statement underlined both countries' commitment to expanding cooperation in political, security, and economic spheres, with the aim of doubling bilateral trade by 2030. PM Modi also conveyed his condolences to the Greek Prime Minister for the loss of life and property due to forest fires.

PM Modi Concludes Greece Visit

Concluding his Greece visit, PM Modi wrote: "This Greece visit is a very special one. It will add great momentum to India-Greece friendship, particularly people-to-people linkages. I also had a very memorable interaction with the dynamic Indian community here. Gratitude to PM @PrimeministerGR @kmitsotakis, the Government and people of Greece."

The Ministry of External Affairs said, "PM @narendramodi emplanes for India after successfully concluding his first ever visit to Greece and elevating 🇮🇳-🇬🇷 ties to ‘Strategic Partnership’."

Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi has received numerous international awards, including 'The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour' by France, 'Order of the Nile' from Egypt - the highest state honor, the Companion of the Order of Logohu from Papua New Guinea, the title of Companion of the Order of Fiji, the Ebakl Award from the Republic of Palau, the highest civilian decoration, Order of the Druk Gyalpo, from Bhutan, the Legion of Merit from the US, King Hamad Order of the Renaissance from Bahrain, and The Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin from Maldives. Additionally, he was also recognized with the Order of St. Andrew award from Russia, the Order of Zayed Award by the UAE, the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award, the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan from Afghanistan, and the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud from Saudi Arabia.