‘Humbled’ at being conferred with France’s highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, PM Narendra Modi said it was an “honour for the 140 crore people of India”.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said this honour shows the deep affection of the people of France towards India and a resolve to further the friendship with India. “It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President @EmmanuelMacron, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for furthering friendship with our nation,” PM Modi tweeted.
In a historic moment on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron bestowed the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday . It is the highest French honour in military or civilian orders.
PM Modi become the first Indian premier to receive this honour.
The award ceremony took place at the Elysee Palace where Macron hosted PM Modi for a private dinner.
In the past, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor had been bestowed on a select few prominent leaders and eminent personalities from across the world, including late former South African President Nelson Mandela, King Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and former United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, among others.
The highest French honour was the latest in a series of top international awards and honours bestowed by various countries on PM Modi.
On the second day of his official visit to France, PM Modi will on Friday join President Macron for the French National Day celebration in Paris as the Guest of Honour.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
An Indian tri-services contingent will be part of the Bastille Day Parade, while three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets, as part of the military contingent, are also set to participate in the Bastille Day flypast over the Champs Elysees, Paris.