PM Modi honored with Cyprus's highest civilian award

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III', Cyprus's highest civilian honor, on Monday during his visit to the island nation. Accepting the prestigious award, Prime Minister Modi humbly dedicated it to the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus, a sentiment he also shared on social media. This significant event marks a highlight of the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi received an official welcome from Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. Following the ceremonial reception, both leaders introduced their respective delegations and proceeded to hold bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening ties across various sectors. The visit is part of Prime Minister Modi's broader three-nation tour, which also includes Canada and Croatia, underscoring India's commitment to deepening its international engagements.

Upon his arrival in Cyprus on Sunday afternoon (local time), PM Modi was greeted warmly at Larnaca International Airport by President Christodoulides and later by members of the Indian diaspora in Limassol. A key focus of the visit has been bolstering commercial ties, with both leaders interacting with leading CEOs from India and Cyprus. Discussions centered on expanding cooperation in areas such as innovation, energy, and technology. The Cyprus Presidency echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a "new era of strategic partnership" and a "strong message of cooperation and prosperity" between the two nations, reinforcing PM Modi's pre-departure statement about building upon historical bonds in trade, investment, security, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.