New Delhi [India], June 16 : Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday gloried in the friendship between India and Cyprus after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with the foreign country's highest civilian honour.
PM Modi was conferred with Cyprus's highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, named after the first Cyprus President, Archbishop Makarios III. The PM dedicated the honour to 140 crore Indians and friendly relations between the two nations.
"It fills us all with immense pride that our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri@narendramodiJi has been conferred with Cyprus's highest honor, the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III'.This distinguished recognition reflects the enduring friendship between and , built on mutual trust, respect, and common aspirations. A proud moment for every Indian!" Gadkari wrote in a post on X.
PM Modi was awarded the highest honour in Cyprus by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. The order is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation.
PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides, the government and people of Cyprus for the honour.
"President, for the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, I express heartfelt gratitude to you, the Government of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus. This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians. It is the honour of their capabilities and aspirations. It is the honour of our country's cultural brotherhood and the ideology of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding. On behalf of all Indians, I accept this honour with utmost humility and gratitude," PM Modi said.
He further said, "This honour symbolises our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of our people. I understand the significance of this honour and accept it as a responsibility towards the relations between India and Cyprus."
He expressed confidence that the ties between the two nations will touch new heights.
Christodoulides welcomed PM Modi to the Presidential Palace in Nicosia earlier today. The Cypriot President and PM Modi introduced each other to the delegates from their respective countries.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Strengthening ties with a trusted partner. PM @narendramodi was warmly received by President @Christodulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia today and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Official talks lie ahead."
PM Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday afternoon (local time) and was received by the Cypriot President at Larnaca International Airport. His visit marks the first visit by an Indian PM to the island nation in over two decades.
PM Modi and Cyprus President Christodoulides interacted with leading CEOs during the business roundtable. During the interaction, PM Modi spoke about India's reform trajectory in the last decade.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Boosting business linkages! President Nikos Christodoulides and I interacted with leading CEOs to add vigour to commercial linkages between India and Cyprus. Sectors like innovation, energy, technology and more offer immense potential. I also talked about India's reform trajectory in the last decade."
In a post on X, the Cyprus Presidency said that Cyprus is deepening and expanding economic cooperation with India.
"Roundtable discussion with the Indian Prime Minister and members of the Cyprus and Indian business communities: Today, we are building more bridges; we are deepening and expanding economic cooperation between Cyprus and India. Together, we are entering a new era of strategic partnership, founded on trust and our shared values, driven by innovation and inspired by our rich historical journey and the vast horizon that opens before us. Together, Cyprus and India send a strong message of cooperation and prosperity, and at the same time, a message of hope," it said.