PM Modi Conferred with France’s Highest Award, Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour

New Delhi, 14th July 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of honour on Friday, it is the highest civilian and military recognition in France. President Emmanuel Macron presented the award to PM Modi at a private dinner hosted by the French leader at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

PM Modi thanked President Macron on behalf of the Indian people for this remarkable award.

PM Modi becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to earn this accolade. Napoleon Bonaparte founded the Legion of Honour, which consists of five degrees. PM Modi was given the highest honour, the Grand Cross. The ribbon is red, and the badge is an oak and laurel wreath with a five-armed Maltese asterisk.

Modi tweeted at around 3 am on 14th July and wrote, “I thank President @EmmanuelMacron and Mrs. Macron for hosting me at the Élysée Palace this evening.”

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest award, on 13 July 2023, by H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France. Prime Minister thanked President Macron for this singular honour on behalf of the people of India.”

MEA Official spokesperson took to Twitter and in an early morning tweet on July 14th, he wrote, “A warm gesture embodying the spirit of (India-France) partnership. PM @narendramodi conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest award in France by President @EmmanuelMacron.”

Select great leaders and eminent persons from around the world have received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. Former South African President Nelson Mandela, King Charles – the then Prince of Wales, Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali are among those who have been awarded with the honour.