In a historic moment underscoring India’s growing global influence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian award, the “Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.” This prestigious honour, presented by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during PM Modi’s state visit, marks the 26th international award he has received since assuming office in May 2014. The ceremony, held in Brasilia, recognised Modi’s extraordinary efforts in strengthening India-Brazil bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation on global platforms.
Speaking during the joint press conference with President Lula, PM Modi said, “Being honoured with Brazil’s highest national award is a moment of immense pride and emotion, not only for me but also for 140 crore Indians.” He added that the honour reflected the warmth and respect the Brazilian people hold towards India and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Brazilian government and its citizens.
Strengthening South-South Cooperation
The four-day visit to Brazil was not just about honours; it was a strategic step to reinforce South-South cooperation. At the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, PM Modi made a compelling case for reforming global institutions. He stressed the need to overhaul governance structures, voting rights, and leadership representation to accommodate the voices of the Global South.
“Without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile phone with a SIM card but no network,” he said, powerfully capturing the exclusion and marginalisation faced by emerging economies.
He criticised the prevailing double standards in development and global policy frameworks, especially in matters of climate finance, technology access, and security. PM Modi advocated that issues like sustainable development and climate justice are moral imperatives rather than optional goals. He asserted that during India’s presidency of BRICS in 2026, the focus would be on “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Unified Voice Against Terrorism
In a significant diplomatic achievement, the BRICS Summit issued a joint “Leaders Declaration” that condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 people. The declaration explicitly called for zero tolerance against terrorism and rejected any form of double standards.
The BRICS leaders reaffirmed their resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, terror financing, and the existence of safe havens. PM Modi’s consistent push for global recognition of India’s fight against terrorism found resonance in the summit’s outcome, further reinforcing his role as a key voice in international counterterrorism discourse.
Economic Diplomacy: Boosting Trade and Tech Integration
On the economic front, PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with President Lula was marked by significant announcements aimed at scaling up trade and technological collaboration. The two leaders committed to expanding the Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement to include more products and boost market access for Indian exporters. Mercosur is a vital regional trade bloc that includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
PM Modi also pitched for the introduction of India’s successful Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system in Brazil, showcasing India’s digital prowess. Key sectors identified for future cooperation included agriculture, agri-tech, food processing, digital infrastructure, and space technology.
“Trade between India and Brazil must reach 20 billion dollars in the next five years,” PM Modi declared, setting an ambitious yet achievable goal.
India-Brazil Strategic Bond Strengthens
President Lula lauded PM Modi’s leadership and acknowledged him as the architect of India-Brazil strategic relations. The Ministry of External Affairs echoed the sentiment in its statement, highlighting how the honour reflects PM Modi’s tireless efforts in elevating India’s international partnerships.
Later, in a social media post, PM Modi wrote, “This award symbolises the deep affection the people of Brazil hold for the people of India. May our friendship scale even newer heights of success in the times to come.”
Notably, this honour from Brazil comes shortly after PM Modi was awarded the “Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” making him the first foreign leader to receive the Caribbean nation’s highest civilian award. The continued international recognition not only cements Modi’s diplomatic legacy but also mirrors India’s rising influence in global affairs.
A Legacy Etched in Global Leadership
PM Narendra Modi’s 26th international honour from Brazil is more than just a ceremonial achievement; it is a testament to India’s resurgence as a global power. His unwavering advocacy for the Global South, zero tolerance for terrorism, and push for inclusive development has struck a chord globally. As the world pivots towards new geopolitical alignments, PM Modi’s diplomatic footprint continues to deepen. The honour from Brazil not only celebrates his leadership but also amplifies India’s voice on the world stage like never before.