MUSCAT – In a historic moment for Indian diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the “Order of Oman” (First Class), the Sultanate’s highest civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Thursday. The ceremony, held at the Al Baraka Palace, places the Indian leader in an elite group of global figures who have received the prestigious award.
With this recognition, Prime Minister Modi has now received 29 international state honours, further underscoring India’s growing global footprint and his personal diplomatic outreach.
Joining a Distinguished League
The Order of Oman is reserved for world leaders and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to international relations and global peace. By receiving this award, PM Modi joins a select list of past recipients that includes:
Queen Elizabeth II (United Kingdom)
Nelson Mandela (South Africa)
Emperor Akihito (Japan)
King Abdullah II (Jordan)
The conferment coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, highlighting the deep-rooted strategic and maritime ties between the two nations.
A Tribute to 1.4 Billion Indians
Expressing his gratitude on social media, Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and the historic bonds shared between the two regions.
“Honoured to receive the Order of Oman (First Class). This is a symbol of affection and trust between the people of India and Oman. I dedicate this honour to the 1.4 billion people of India and to our ancestors who laid the foundations of this relationship by traveling from Mandvi to Muscat.”
He further acknowledged the role of the Indian diaspora and the seafarers who have served as a “strong bridge” across the Arabian Sea for centuries.
Strategic Milestones: CEPA and Future Innovation
The award ceremony was the centerpiece of the final leg of the Prime Minister’s three-nation tour, which also included visits to Jordan and Ethiopia (where he received the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia earlier this week).
Beyond the ceremonial honours, the visit yielded significant economic outcomes:
CEPA Signed: India and Oman signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a landmark free trade deal expected to slash tariffs and boost bilateral trade in textiles, chemicals, and engineering goods.
Innovation Hubs: The PM proposed the creation of the India-Oman Agri Innovation Hub and the India-Oman Innovation Bridge to future-proof the partnership.
Space Collaboration: Discussions highlighted the India-Oman Space Portal, developed in collaboration with ISRO, marking a shift toward high-tech cooperation.
PM Modi’s Global Awards Tally (Recent Highlights)
Year Country Award
2025 Oman Order of Oman (First Class)
2025 Ethiopia Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia
2025 Brazil Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross
2024 Kuwait Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer
2024 Russia Order of St. Andrew the Apostle
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the award as a “grand endorsement of PM Modi’s statesmanship,” noting that the back-to-back honours from different continents reflect India’s emergence as a “transformed nation” on the world stage.
