International Honours for Indians: Complete List up to 2025
International honours are among the highest recognitions that countries confer on foreign leaders, dignitaries, and exceptional personalities. They reflect not only the stature of the recipient but also the depth of diplomatic ties between the awarding nation and India. From state orders and grand collars to honorary decorations, many Indians—especially heads of state and government—have received these honours.
Narendra Modi – The Most Honoured Indian Leader
Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the record for receiving the highest number of foreign state honours (28+ as of June 2025). His awards span across continents—from Africa to Europe, the Middle East to the Pacific.
List of Major International Honours to PM Modi
- outh Africa (2023, awarded 2024)
- Order of Makarios III (Grand Cross) – Cyprus (2
(chronological highlights, 2016–2025):
- Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud – Saudi Arabia (2016)
- State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan – Afghanistan (2016)
- Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called – Russia (2019)
- Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin – Maldives (2019)
- King Hamad Order of the Renaissance – Bahrain (2019)
- Order of Zayed – United Arab Emirates (2019)
- Legion of Honour, Grand Cross – France (2023)
- Order of the Nile – Egypt (2023)
- Order of the Druk Gyalpo – Bhutan (2021, confirmed again 2024)
- Order of the Companion of O. R. Tambo – S
- 025)
- Order of Fiji (Companion) – Fiji (2024)
- Order of Barbados (Trident of Excellence) – Barbados (2024)
- Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya – Kenya (2024)
- Order of the Congolese Civil Merit – Democratic Republic of Congo (2024)
- Order of the Crown of the Kingdom of Tonga – Tonga (2024)
- Order of the Pahlawan Negara Brunei (1st Class) – Brunei (2024)
- Order of Cyprus Grand Cross of Makarios III – Cyprus (2025)
(plus many more from Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Palau, Nigeria, etc., bringing the total to 28+)
Record: Modi has received more international honours than Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Manmohan Singh combined (each had about 2).
President Droupadi Murmu – Recent International Awards
Since taking office in 2022, President Murmu has also been conferred with several top international awards:
- Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star – Suriname (June 2023)
- Order of Fiji (Companion of the Order) – Fiji (Aug 2024)
- Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste – Timor-Leste (Aug 2024)
Other Indians Who Received Foreign Honours
- Morarji Desai – Nishan-e-Pakistan (Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, 1990).
- Dr. Manmohan Singh – Order of the Liberator Simon Bolivar (Venezuela) and Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (France).
- Indira Gandhi – Order of Lenin (Soviet Union) and Nishan-e-Pakistan (Pakistan).
- Jawaharlal Nehru – Order of the White Lion (Czechoslovakia) and Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
- Rajiv Gandhi – Order of St. Thomas (Malankara Orthodox Church, global recognition).
- Cultural Icons: Many artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Satyajit Ray, Amartya Sen, A. R. Rahman have also received honorary decorations from France, Japan, the UK, and the US (though these are mostly cultural rather than state “highest civilian” awards).
Who Has the Most?
- Narendra Modi → 28+ foreign state honours (record for an Indian and one of the highest globally).
- Droupadi Murmu → 3 major awards (till 2024).
- Historical Leaders (Nehru, Indira, Manmohan) → 2 each.
- Morarji Desai → 1 but very symbolic (Nishan-e-Pakistan).
Significance of International Honours
- Diplomatic Strengthening: They reaffirm ties between nations.
- Global Recognition: India’s growing stature in world politics.
- Symbolism: Awards often coincide with state visits, trade deals, or strategic partnerships.
