A Moment of Honour: PM Modi Receives ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Cyprus’ highest civilian honour, the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’, by President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday. This award recognises Modi's global stature and India’s growing international influence. In his acceptance, PM Modi dedicated the honour to 140 crore Indians, calling it a tribute to India’s cultural heritage, shared democratic values, and the enduring spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family.
Calling it a symbol of the two nations’ shared commitment to peace, sovereignty, and development, Modi stated, “This is not just a personal honour but a recognition of India’s growing place in the world and the strong partnership between India and Cyprus.”
Understanding the Honour: The ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’
The Order of Makarios III is named after Archbishop Makarios III, Cyprus' first President and a key figure in its independence movement. The Grand Cross is the highest class of this prestigious order, bestowed only upon heads of state and global leaders who have made significant contributions to peace, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
This recognition signals Cyprus’ deep appreciation for India’s global leadership under Modi and underscores the importance the Mediterranean nation places on strong, values-based bilateral ties with New Delhi.
India-Cyprus Relations: A Foundation of Shared Democratic Values
India and Cyprus enjoy warm and long-standing relations, built on mutual respect for democracy, sovereignty, and international law. This was emphasized by Modi during his address, where he noted that the bilateral ties are “neither made by circumstances, nor limited”, and instead are rooted in mutual trust and respect.
Cyprus has consistently supported India on critical issues like counterterrorism and sovereignty, including India’s stance on cross-border terrorism. In turn, India has supported Cyprus’ territorial integrity and sovereignty, particularly regarding the island's reunification efforts.
Diplomatic Dimensions of the Visit: A Calculated Move Ahead of G7
PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus comes just ahead of his participation in the G7 Summit in Canada, making it more than a ceremonial stop. It carries strategic diplomatic weight, highlighting India’s intent to strengthen ties with like-minded democracies in Europe and the Mediterranean, particularly those that support India on key geopolitical matters.
This is also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in 23 years, indicating a deliberate re-engagement with smaller yet geopolitically significant nations. By reinforcing ties with Cyprus — an EU member and a bridge between Europe and West Asia — India is subtly boosting its strategic footprint just before entering high-level talks with global leaders at the G7.
During the visit, Modi and Christodoulides discussed a five-year roadmap to deepen cooperation in trade, education, defence, digital economy, and counterterrorism. This signals a shift from symbolic diplomacy to structured strategic planning, with Cyprus seen as a valuable partner in multilateral forums like the United Nations and the EU.
Global Recognition and Strategic Optics
The honour follows a similar recognition by Sri Lanka, which recently conferred on Modi the ‘Mitra Vibhushan’, its highest civilian honour. Such back-to-back accolades from diverse nations reflect not only Modi’s rising global profile but also India’s expanding soft power and influence across geopolitical lines.
By positioning India as a voice for peace, democracy, and multilateralism, these awards serve as diplomatic capital ahead of multilateral engagements like the G7 Summit, where issues like energy security, climate change, and global governance reform are set to dominate.
Honour Beyond Symbolism
PM Modi’s acceptance of Cyprus’ highest civilian award is more than a ceremonial exchange — it’s a well-timed diplomatic message. It reflects India’s evolving global role and commitment to building alliances beyond the big powers. At a time when the world is fractured by conflict and competition, India’s outreach to smaller but principled democracies like Cyprus reflects a vision of inclusive and balanced global engagement.
As Modi heads to the G7 in Canada, this moment in Cyprus serves as a reminder of India’s growing prestige, values-driven diplomacy, and rising strategic depth on the world stage.
(With agency inputs)
