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PM Modi conferred with Grand Cross of Royal Norwegian Order (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Norway’s highest civilian honour, during his official visit to the Nordic country.
The recognition marks the 32nd international honour received by Modi from a foreign nation during his tenure as prime minister.
The Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was established in 1985 by King Olav V and is awarded to both Norwegian and foreign nationals for exceptional contributions made in the interest of Norway and humanity.
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The order is divided into five categories- Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight with the Grand Cross regarded as the highest distinction under the honour system.
Officials said the award recognises Modi’s efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between India and Norway across multiple sectors.
The honour from Norway came just a day after Modi received Sweden’s prestigious Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, during his visit to Sweden.
Following the Sweden ceremony, Modi described the recognition as an honour for the people of India and said it reflected the growing friendship and partnership between the two countries.
The back-to-back honours have come during the prime minister’s ongoing five-nation diplomatic tour across Europe and the Gulf region.
Modi arrived in Norway earlier on Monday and was received by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. This is his first official visit to the country.
During the visit, the two leaders held delegation-level talks focusing on trade, renewable energy, green transition, artificial intelligence, maritime cooperation and digital technology.
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Both nations also agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Green Strategic Partnership aimed at expanding collaboration in sustainability and innovation sectors.
Addressing a joint press conference with Støre, Modi also spoke about ongoing global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in West Asia. He reiterated that military conflicts cannot provide lasting solutions and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy.
The prime minister also thanked Norway for supporting India after the Pahalgam terror attack last year.
