Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending Mauritius’ National Day as Chief Guest for the second time in a decade, expressed humility upon receiving the nation’s highest honor, ‘The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.’ “I’m humbled to receive this award. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and our centuries-old friendship,” Modi said during his address, spotlighting the deep ties between the two nations.

Announced on Tuesday by Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the award—bestowed during Modi’s two-day state visit—marks him as the first Indian recipient and the 21st international honor in his tally. Ramgoolam noted, “Since we became a republic, only five foreign dignitaries, including Nelson Mandela in 1998, have received this title. We’re greatly honored to have you here.” Modi’s prior National Day visit in 2015 underscores India’s unique bond with Mauritius, rooted in history, culture, and diaspora.

This accolade follows Kuwait’s ‘Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’ in December 2024, Guyana’s ‘Order of Excellence,’ Dominica’s ‘Dominica Award of Honour,’ and Nigeria’s ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ in November 2024—where Modi was the first foreign leader since Queen Elizabeth in 1969 to receive it. These honors reflect his global statesmanship and India’s rising diplomatic clout.

Modi’s collection of 20 civilian honors includes Saudi Arabia’s ‘King Abdulaziz Sash’ (2016), Russia’s ‘Order of St. Andrew’ (2019), France’s ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour’ (2023), and more. Beyond state awards, he has earned the UN’s ‘Champions of The Earth’ (2018), Seoul Peace Prize (2018), and the Gates Foundation’s ‘Global Goalkeeper Award’ (2019) for environmental and social leadership.