Brasilia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.
The honour was presented by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in recognition of PM Modi’s notable contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing India-Brazil cooperation across key global platforms.
“Being honoured with Brazil’s highest national award by the President today is a moment of immense pride and emotion, not only for me, but also for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said during a joint press statement with Lula after their delegation-level talks.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to him (President Lula), the Brazilian government, and the people of Brazil,” he said.
This is the 26th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by a foreign government since he assumed office in May 2014.
Earlier, PM Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome at the Alvorada Palace in Brazil on Tuesday.
He was accorded a warm ceremonial welcome in Brasilia.
Upon his arrival, he shared a unique moment of enjoying a harmonium performance along with the Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
PM Modi enjoyed the Indian classical musical presentation which used traditional instruments such as the Harmonium and Tabla at his ceremonial welcome at Alvorada Palace in Brasilia.
PM Modi appreciated the performance and greeted the performers with a gesture of folded hands.