Rio de Janeiro, July 9, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday. The prestigious recognition was conferred in acknowledgment of Modi’s role in deepening India-Brazil bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation on key regional and global issues.
Addressing the media during a joint press conference after delegation-level talks, PM Modi said, “Being honoured with Brazil’s highest national award by the President today is a moment of immense pride and emotion, not only for me, but also for 140 crore Indians. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Lula, the Brazilian government, and the people of Brazil.”
Strategic Partnership Recognised
Modi hailed President Lula as the “architect of the India-Brazil strategic partnership” and said the award symbolised the strengthening relationship between the two democracies. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the honour reflects the Prime Minister’s “untiring efforts” to take bilateral relations to new heights.
Later, taking to social media, PM Modi said the award “symbolised the deep affection the people of Brazil hold for the people of India,” and expressed hope that “our friendship will scale newer heights of success in the times to come.”
26th International Honour Since 2014
This distinction marks Modi’s 26th international honour conferred by a foreign government since he took office in May 2014, further highlighting his growing global stature.
Just days earlier, Modi was also conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’, the highest civilian honour of the Caribbean nation. At a special ceremony hosted at the President’s House in Port of Spain, President Christine Carla Kangaloo presented the award to Modi for his statesmanship, advocacy for the Global South, and efforts to build robust bilateral relations between the two countries.
During his two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi thanked the government and the people for the rare recognition and reiterated India’s commitment to global cooperation and South-South solidarity.
