Modi Awarded Brazil's Highest Civilian Honor

On July 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Brazil's highest civilian honor, 'Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross,' by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This award was given to PM Modi for strengthening India-Brazil bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation on global platforms.

This is the 26th international honor PM Modi has received from a foreign government since assuming office in May 2014. Prime Minister Modi is currently on an official visit to Brazil. On Tuesday, he arrived at the Alvorada Palace (President's residence) in Brasília, where President Lula da Silva welcomed him.

PM Modi expressed that receiving Brazil's highest honor was a matter of pride for 1.4 billion Indians. He also mentioned that both nations have set a target to raise bilateral trade to $20 billion (₹1.7 trillion) in the next five years.

In a light-hearted remark, PM Modi said, "Football is Brazil's soul, and cricket is India's passion. Whether the ball crosses the boundary or hits the goalpost, a $20 billion partnership is not impossible."

He emphasized growing cooperation in the energy sector, noting that both nations prioritize environmental sustainability and clean energy. PM Modi also congratulated President Lula for the COP 30 meeting and mentioned that the growing defense cooperation symbolizes mutual trust, with both countries committed to strengthening their defense sectors.