In a historic moment marking deepening ties between India and Cyprus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday (June 16) conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III — the highest civilian honour awarded by the Republic of Cyprus. The award was presented by President Nikos Christodoulides at an official ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
While receiving the honour, PM Modi expressed his gratitude and dedicated the award to the enduring friendship between the two nations. Taking to social media, the Prime Minister said,
"Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations."
What Is The Grand Cross Of The Order Of Makarios III?
Named after Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus, the Order of Makarios III is the highest order of merit conferred by the country. It is awarded to heads of state and distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding service to Cyprus or to international peace and diplomacy. The Grand Cross is one of the highest classes within the Order and is awarded at the discretion of the President of the Republic.
Why This Honour Matters
This honour reflects the growing strategic and diplomatic relationship between India and Cyprus, particularly in areas like trade, investment, education, culture, and global peacekeeping efforts. PM Modi’s leadership and India’s emergence as a global economic and democratic power have found resonance among nations like Cyprus, which view India as a vital partner in regional and global cooperation.
The award also carries symbolic importance, as PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Cyprus in 23 years, underlining the significance New Delhi places on strengthening ties with the European Union member state.
A Grand Welcome and Strategic Talks
PM Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday as part of his three-nation Europe tour. He was warmly received at Larnaca International Airport by President Christodoulides and later accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace.
During his visit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with the Cyprus President and participated in a business roundtable with CEOs, where he highlighted India’s rapid reforms, digital transformation, and rising global profile. He described India as one of the most promising investment destinations globally.
Both leaders also discussed cooperation in areas such as shipping, tourism, education, digital services, renewable energy, and cross-border payment systems, including discussions on implementing India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Cyprus.
