Modi’s International Award Count Reaches 35 After Indonesia Honor

On July 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Indonesia’s highest civilian tribute, the Bintang Adi Putra, a medal that celebrates individuals who have significantly advanced the Indonesian Republic’s welfare. This honor brings the total number of foreign decorations bestowed upon Modi to 35, a record for any sitting Indian prime minister. Since 2016, Modi has gathered accolades from nations across four continents, many of which are linked to historic orders and medals. The recent slate of recognitions includes the Seychelles’ Guardian of the Blue Horizon award for environmental stewardship, Bhutan’s Order of the Druk Gyalpo – making him the first foreign head of state to earn that title – and Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, a rare foreign accolade previously awarded only to Queen Elizabeth II. Other notable awards feature Israel’s Medal of the Nation, Egypt’s Order of the Nile, the U.S. Legion of Merit for deepening Indo‑American strategic ties, and Russia’s Order of St. Andrew the Apostle for strengthening Indo‑Russian relations. These honors sit alongside those received by global icons such as Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, Xi Jinping and Winston Churchill, underscoring Modi’s expanding diplomatic footprint.