Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded Cyprus' highest civilian honour

Why in  news?

• On 16 June 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Republic of Cyprus' highest civilian honour — "Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III" — on the occasion of his historic visit to Cyprus.
• This honour was conferred on him by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides during a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace in the capital Nicosia.

Background related to the honour:

• The Order of Makarios III is Cyprus' highest civilian honour, which was established in the name of the country's first President and freedom fighter Archbishop Makarios III.
• Through this honour, the Cyprus government honours distinguished international leaders who have made exceptional contributions to promoting democracy, human rights, global cooperation and bilateral friendship.

Significance of Modi's visit and honour:

• This honour was conferred on the second day of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Cyprus.
• This visit was also special because it was the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in two decades.
• This visit was the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus after the year 2002
  • Modi is the third Indian Prime Minister to visit Cyprus.
  • Earlier Indira Gandhi - 1983, Vajpayee - 2002
• Prime Minister Modi was formally welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, after which bilateral issues were discussed between the two leaders.

Objective of the visit

• To strengthen India-Cyprus diplomatic relations
• To make India's strategic foothold in the European Union
• To establish Cyprus as a gateway to the European market
• To promote trade, investment, digital technology and cultural cooperation

Bilateral talks

• Detailed bilateral talks were held between PM Modi and President Christodoulides
• The two countries signed the following agreements, which include:
  • Cyber ​​security cooperation
  • Green hydrogen and clean energy
  • AYUSH and yoga
  • Skill development
  • Disaster management
  • Judicial cooperation

Emphasis on digital and financial cooperation

• India proposed to implement the UPI (Unified Payments Interface) system in Cyprus.
• Bilateral cooperation in the field of fintech, blockchain and cyber security was announced.

Strategic support

• Cyprus is going to chair the Council of the European Union in 2026.
• Cyprus has given clear support to the following demands of India:
• India's permanent membership in UNSC
• India's membership in NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group)
• India's position on Kashmir issue
• Support to India-EU FTA (Free Trade Agreement)

About Cyprus:

• Cyprus is a major Mediterranean island country, which holds an important place in international politics and geostrategy due to its historical heritage, cultural diversity and strategic importance.

General Information

Major civilian honors received by PM Modi at the international level:

• This award is one in the series of international honors received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Earlier, he has also been honored by the following countries:

Country Name of Honor