Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by Greek President Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou in Athens.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by H.E. Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou, President of Greece on 25 August 2023. He is the first foreign Head of Government to receive this honour.
2. The Prime Minister, on behalf of the people of India, thanked President Sakellaropoulou and the Government and people of Greece for this special honour.
3. The award ceremony took place at the Presidential Mansion in Athens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held delegation-level talks with his Greek counterpart Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The Order of Honour was established in 1975. The head of the goddess Athena is depicted on the front side of the Star with the inscription “Only The Righteous Should Be Honoured”.
The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour is conferred by the President of Greece to Prime Ministers and eminent personalities who by reason of their distinguished position, have contributed to enhancing the stature of Greece.
The citation says- “In the person of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an honour is bestowed upon the friendly people of India.”
PM Modi’s decisive contribution to the strategic promotion of Greek-Indian friendship in areas of mutual interest has also been recognised.
“Glad to have met President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Athens. We discussed several issues, which will strengthen the India-Greece friendship.
We also discussed ways to boost sustainable development. She congratulated India on the success of Chandrayaan-3,” posted PM Modi on X.
The award is a significant recognition of PM Modi’s efforts to strengthen ties between India and Greece. The two countries have a long history of friendship and cooperation, and the award is a testament to the growing importance of this relationship.
About the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour
The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour is conferred by the president of Greece to prime ministers and “eminent personalities who by reason of their distinguished position, have contributed to enhancing the stature of Greece”. The Order of Honour was established in 1975.
The badge of the Grand Cross is a gold-plated cross with a red enamelled medallion in the centre. The medallion bears the image of the Greek goddess Athena, and the words “Only the Righteous Should be Honoured”. The badge is worn around the neck on a blue and white ribbon.
