PM Modi adds Indonesia’s Bintang Adipurna to his 34 foreign honours
Indonesia has joined a growing list of nations that have conferred their highest honours on Narendra Modi, with President Prabowo Subianto announcing the award of the "Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia" to the Indian Prime Minister.
During PM Modi's visit to Jakarta in July 2026, President Prabowo Subianto announced that Indonesia had decided to confer its highest state honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, on the Indian leader.
The decoration is reserved for heads of state and foreign leaders in recognition of outstanding contributions to Indonesia’s national interests and bilateral relations.
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Indonesian media reports around the visit have highlighted the strengthening "special strategic partnership" between the two countries, with cooperation expanding in defence, maritime security, trade and culture, making the award both symbolic and strategic.
A broad arc of foreign honours
Indonesia’s move comes on top of a long list of top national honours that countries across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Pacific have conferred on Modi over the past decade and more.
A detailed compilation of foreign awards shows that by late 2025 he had received at least 29 international honours, many of them the highest civilian or national decorations of the respective states.
These include top orders from major partners in West Asia, such as Saudi Arabia’s Order of King Abdulaziz and the United Arab Emirates’ Order of Zayed, both the highest honours those kingdoms confer on foreign leaders.
In South Asia and the neighbourhood, Bhutan has awarded him the Order of the Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King), its highest civilian honour, while Afghanistan conferred the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan.
In Europe, Russia has bestowed the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, and France has given him the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, among the most prestigious orders in their national systems.
Recognitions across regions
Beyond the big powers, Modi has received high national honours from a wide range of countries in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and the Pacific, signalling diplomatic outreach far beyond traditional partners.
For example, Ethiopia conferred its highest award, the “Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia,” on Modi in December 2025, praising his role in strengthening the India–Ethiopia partnership and describing him as a “global statesman.”
Dominica has awarded him the Dominica Award of Honour, its highest national decoration, citing his support during the COVID‑19 pandemic and commitment to the relationship.
Other honours listed in Indian and international media include Oman’s “First Class of the Order of Oman,” Kuwait’s Order of Mubarak Al‑Kabeer, Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Ghana’s Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, and top awards from countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Mauritius, Cyprus, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados. The United Nations has also recognised Modi with the “Champion of the Earth” award in 2018 for environmental leadership.
Honours galore in 2026
Israel: On February 26, PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to be honoured with Speaker of the Knesset Medal. The medal is one of Israel's highest parliamentary honours, awarded to foreign leaders for exceptional contributions to friendship with Israel.
Norway: In May, PM Modi was honoured with the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit -- Norway's highest civilian award -- that is conferred on foreign heads of state for outstanding contributions to bilateral ties.
Sweden: On May 17, PM Modi received the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Sweden’s highest civilian award for foreign heads of government, conferred by the King in Gothenburg.
Slovakia: In June 14, the Indian Prime Minister was honoured with the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) -- Slovakia’s highest civilian award -- during the former's visit to Bratislava.
Seychelles: On June 28, the island nation awarded PM Modi the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' Presidential Distinction by the President of Seychelles for leadership in sustainable development and environmental conservation. That was his 34th international award from a foreign nation.