PM Modi Receives Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit

Honorable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi conferred with the Norway’s highest civilian honor which is the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit during his official visit to Oslo. With this recognition, it marks the 32nd international honor for PM Modi globally and highlights the India’s growing global diplomatic influence. Yesterday, Sweden has also honored the Indian Prime Minister.

PM Modi Receives Norway’s Top Civilian Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit on the May 18 during his official visit to Norway.

This award is considered as the highest grade of Norway’s Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.

This honor is awarded for the exceptional service in advancing Norway’s interests and strengthening international relations.

The recognition also adds another major diplomatic milestone to PM Modi’s international profile.

32nd International Honour for PM Modi

After this recognition, PM Narendra Modi has now received the 32 international honors from foreign nations.

This places him among the most internationally decorated political leaders in the recent history.

The awards also reflects the India’s growing strategic importance in global diplomacy, trade, defense and multilateral cooperation.

The back to back honors from European countries underline the stronger ties between India and Nordic nations.

Historic Norway Visit by an Indian Prime Minister

This visit is politically significant for the another reason. As it marks the Prime Minister Modi’s first ever visit to Norway.

It is also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Norway in 43 years.

The trip is also seen as the major step in deepening India-Norway bilateral engagement.

What is the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit?

The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was established in the year 1985 by King Olav V.

It is awarded mainly to the foreign nationals and overseas contributors who have rendered the exceptional service connected to Norway.

The honor recognizes the diplomatic, international and public service contributions.

It is one of Norway’s most prestigious recognitions for the foreign dignitaries.

Understanding the Grand Cross

The Grand Cross is the highest grade within the Order.

The order has five levels,

• Grand Cross
• Commander with Star
• Commander
• Knight First Class
• Knight

The Grand Cross is traditionally worn as a sash over the right shoulder.

It is awarded only in the exceptional cases.

King Harald V and the Honour System

The reigning monarch King Harald V serves as the Grand Master of the Order.

The honor is awarded based on the recommendations through Norway’s foreign affairs and royal protocol system.

Unlike the some other royal honors, the insignia of this award remains with the recipient.

Back to Back European Honors for Modi

Just one day before receiving the Norway’s honor, PM Modi was awarded with the Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross.

That honor is the Sweden’s highest award given to foreign heads of government.

By receiving the two top European honors in consecutive days makes this diplomatic tour especially notable.