In a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been bestowed with the prestigious Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian and military honor. French President Emmanuel Macron personally presented the distinguished award to Mr. Modi at the esteemed Elysee Palace on July 13, 2023. With this recognition, Prime Minister Modi joins the esteemed ranks of prominent world leaders, including Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, King Charles (then Prince of Wales), Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany, and Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, an accolade presented by France, adds to the array of top international awards and honors bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi by various nations. Prior to the ceremony, President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron hosted a private dinner at the Elysee Palace in honor of Mr. Modi.
Originating in 1802 under the auspices of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour is divided into five classes, with the Grand Cross being the highest. Its distinctive ribbon bears the color red, while the badge features a five-armed Maltese asterisk suspended from an oak and laurel wreath. While membership is typically limited to French nationals, foreign individuals who serve France or embody its ideals may also receive this prestigious distinction. The Legion of Honour represents the pinnacle of French decorations, awarded to deserving individuals across diverse fields of endeavor for over two centuries.
With a membership count of over 79,000 individuals, the Legion of Honour bestows its distinguished recognition upon approximately 300 foreign nationals each year. Its obverse side displays the effigy of the Republic, while the reverse depicts two tricolor flags encircled by the motto “Honor and Fatherland” inscribed in French. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reception of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour stands as a testament to his exceptional contributions and his embodiment of the values held dear by France.