On June 16, 2025, during his first official visit to Cyprus in 23 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III—the nation’s highest civilian award—by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
What Is the Order of Makarios III?
Established in 1991 and named after Cyprus’s first President, Archbishop Makarios III, the order is the senior order of knighthood in Cyprus. Its six ranks include:
- Grand Collar
- Grand Cross (awarded to Modi)
- Grand Commander
- Commander
- Officer
- Knight
The Grand Cross, while technically the second-highest, is typically conferred upon heads of government and dignitaries who have made significant international contributions.
PM Modi’s Heartfelt Acceptance
At the ceremony, PM Modi expressed gratitude, stating:
“Humbled to receive the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’ of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations.”
He emphasized that the award was not just for him, but for the 1.4 billion citizens of India, symbolizing India’s emerging global leadership.
A Historic State Visit with Strategic Vision
- Modi’s stop in Cyprus is part of a three-nation tour—preceding Croatia and Canada (for the G7 Summit)
- This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades, underlining its diplomatic and symbolic importance
In addition to the award ceremony, Modi held extensive talks with President Christodoulides and other leaders, focusing on:
- Economic partnerships – a roundtable with business leaders in Limassol emphasized Cyprus as a gateway to Europe and India as a global growth engine
- Financial innovation – an MoU was signed between NSE International and the Cyprus Stock Exchange, along with plans to introduce India’s UPI payment system via Eurobank Cyprus
- Strategic cooperation – commitment to the India–Greece–Cyprus Business & Investment Council and endorsement of India–EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations
Why This Matters
Strengthening Economic Bonds
Bilateral trade between India and Cyprus is around USD 150 million, with immense potential to grow—especially through digital payments, AI, green energy, and infrastructure
Geopolitical Implication
With Cyprus holding the EU Council Presidency, both countries touted deeper ties and support for India–EU strategic collaboration—aimed at finalizing the India–EU FTA by year-end
Symbol of Global Recognition
This award adds to PM Modi’s impressive portfolio of international honors—joining recognitions like Mauritius’s GCSK, Sri Lanka’s Mitra Vibhushana, Palestine’s Grand Collar, UAE’s Order of Zayed, Egypt’s Nile Order, and more
What It Signals About India’s Global Role
- India as a trusted partner: Cyprus’s top honor mirrors growing confidence in India’s strategic role, especially in the Mediterranean and EU context.
- Business synergy: The economic pacts lay the groundwork for smoother trade, financial linkages, and investment flows.
- Diplomatic multilateralism: Modi’s tour signifies India’s engagement with global institutions and complex regional partnerships.
Order of Makarios III
- Established: 1991
- Highest category: Grand Collar (rare for heads of state)
- Modi’s category: Grand Cross, prestigious for heads of government
- Previous Grand Cross recipients: Pranab Mukherjee, Sergey Lavrov, King Willem-Alexander, among others
Global & Domestic Reactions
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented that the award showcases the “enduring India‑Cyprus partnership and shared vision for peace, progress, and prosperity”
- Cyprus Presidency described the visit as “the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership, founded on trust, shared values, innovation, and our rich historical journey.”
Modi’s Diplomatic Honors: A Recap
| Year | Country | Honour | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Mauritius | GCSK | Grand Commander |
| 2025 | Sri Lanka | Mitra Vibhushana | President-level |
| 2025 | Palestine | Grand Collar | Head of State |
| 2019 | UAE | Order of Zayed | President-level |
| 2025 | Cyprus | Grand Cross of Order of Makarios III | Head of Government |
Receiving the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III is not just a ceremonial triumph—it embodies deepening diplomatic ties, economic convergence, and India’s rising geopolitical prominence.
Modi’s visit and this distinguished award place Cyprus of strategic importance on India’s global map, especially as both nations prepare to elevate their collaboration across trade, finance, digital innovation, and EU alignment.
In Modi’s own words, this honour is a tribute to the collective spirit of India and the enduring friendship between two nations as they step into a future of shared growth.
