Lagatar24 Desk
Athens, August 25: The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday in Athens, Greece, adding another feather to his cap.
After PM Modi called on her during his daylong official visit to Greece, President of Greece Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou presented him with the Grand Cross.
“A special honour reflecting the strength of India-Greece partnership. PM @narendramodi conferred with Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by @PresidencyGR Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou,” tweeted the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi.
A special honour reflecting the strength of 🇮🇳-🇬🇷 partnership.
PM @narendramodi conferred with Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by @PresidencyGR Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou. pic.twitter.com/6qlMXiO7a6
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 25, 2023
Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece held delegation-level discussions.
The Order of Honour was founded in 1975. The goddess Athena’s head and the words “ONLY THE RIGHTEOUS SHOULD BE HONOURED” are depicted on the front of the Star.
The President of Greece awards Prime Ministers and notable individuals with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour who as a result of their illustrious positions, have contributed to raising the stature of Greece.
The citation says- “In the person of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an honour is bestowed upon the friendly people of India.”
It also says, “On the occasion of this visit, the Greek State Honours the Prime Minister of India, a statesman who has tirelessly promoted the global reach of his country and who works systematically for India’s economic progress and prosperity, bringing about bold reforms. A statesman who has brought environmental protection and climate change among the top priorities of international activity.”
It has also been acknowledged that PM Modi made a major contribution to the strategic advancement of friendship between Greece and India in areas of mutual interest.
“Glad to have met President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Athens. We discussed several issues which will strengthen the India-Greece friendship. We also discussed ways to boost sustainable development. She congratulated India on the success of Chandrayaan-3,” posted PM Modi on X.
Glad to have met President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Athens. We discussed several issues which will strengthen the India-Greece friendship. We also discussed ways to boost sustainable development. She congratulated India on the success of Chandrayaan-3. @PresidencyGR pic.twitter.com/aoQFtKMdQq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 25, 2023
The Greek President complimented PM Modi on the accomplishment of India’s Chandrayaan-3 moon mission during their meeting.
“The success of Chandrayaan-3 is not only of India alone but it is a success for the whole of humankind… The results of the data collected by the Chandrayaan-3 mission will help the entire scientific fraternity and humankind,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi paid respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens today to mark the start of his trip to Greece. Later, he was presented with a ceremonial guard of honour.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first leader to travel to Greece in the last 40 years. It was in 1983 that India’s last Prime Minister visited Greece. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Prime Minister of Greece, travelled to New Delhi in 2019.
India and Greece have strong civilizational ties that have grown stronger in recent years thanks to collaboration in fields including maritime transport, defence, trade, investment and interpersonal relations.
