Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], June 17 : Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Cyprus's highest civilian award and stated that this award was the honour of the nation's 140 crore people.
Shekhawat further stated that the award was also the honour of the potential, resolution of development and the courage and enthusiasm of the people of the nation.
"When a Prime Minister is granted the highest civilian award of any nation, it is not only the honour of the Prime Minister or the country but the honour of 140 crore people of the nation. It is the honour of their potential, their resolution of development and their courage & enthusiasm..." Shekhawat said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III - the highest honour in Cyprus- by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Monday.
The Order of Makarios III, the highest merit honour awarded in Cyprus, is named after Makarios III, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus. It is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation.
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also congratulated the Prime Minister on being conferred with the award and described him as one of the most decorated leaders in the country's history.
The Home Minister said that the award reflects the Prime Minister's leadership and strengthens India's diplomatic standing worldwide.
"Congratulations to PM Narendra Modi Ji on being conferred with Cyprus's highest civilian award, the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.'This reflects the continuously rising stature of India on the global stage. This is the 21st international award given to our PM, making him one of the most decorated leaders in India's history. Such honours not only acknowledge his leadership but also strengthen India's diplomatic standing worldwide," Shah posted on X.