The award was presented to Modi by President Emmanuel Macron following a private dinner hosted by the French leader at the Élysée Palace in Paris
Our Bureau
Paris
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest of the country’s civilian and military honors. The award was presented to Modi by President Emmanuel Macron following a private dinner hosted by the French leader at the Elysee Palace in Paris onn Thursday evening. Modi thanked Macron for “this singular honor on behalf of the people of India”, the external affairs ministry said.
Modi is the first Indian premier to receive this honor. In the past, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor has been awarded to prominent leaders and eminent personalities from around the world, including former South African president Nelson Mandela, former German chancellor Angela Merkel and former UN secretary-general Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
Earlier addressing the Indian community in Paris, reflected on his longstanding connection with France spanning four decades. During his speech, PM Modi drew attention to the increasing presence of international players in India and specifically highlighted the growing popularity of Kylian Mbappe, the captain of the French national football team, among Indian fans. He noted that Mbappe is widely recognized and admired in India, even more so than in his home country.
Speaking at La Seine Musicale in Paris, PM Modi expressed his enduring fondness for France, acknowledging his longstanding connection with the country. He recounted the establishment of Alliance Française in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, around 40 years ago, and proudly stated that he was the first member of the cultural center in India.
