Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on an official visit to France, has been conferred the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is the highest French honour in military or civilian orders. The award was presented to Modi by President Macron following a private dinner hosted by the French leader at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday evening. Modi thanked Macron for “this singular honour on behalf of the people of India”, the external affairs ministry said.

The Legion of Honour, established by Napoleon Bonaparte, consists of five degrees, with the Prime Minister being awarded the highest, the Grand Cross. The ribbon is red, and the badge features a five-armed Maltese asterisk on an oak and laurel wreath.

While membership is typically reserved for French nationals, foreign individuals who serve France or uphold its ideals may also receive this distinction. Approximately 300 foreign nationals are awarded this honour annually, among a total membership of over 79,000.

Modi is the first Indian premier to receive this honour. In the past, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor has been awarded to prominent leaders and eminent personalities from around the world, including former South African president Nelson Mandela, former German chancellor Angela Merkel and former UN secretary-general Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

On Thursday evening, the PM addressed the Indian diaspora in France and announced an agreement for the use of UPI in France, opening a huge new market for Indian innovation in cashless instant payment.

In his nearly an hour-long speech to an enthusiastic crowd at the La Seine Musicale -- a performing arts centre on an island in the river Seine -- PM Modi outlined India's fast-paced development, reported PTI. He asserted that while the world is moving towards a new order, India's strength and role is also changing very quickly.

PM Modi also announced the opening of a new Indian consulate in Marseille in France and told that Indian students doing masters in the European country will now get five-year-long post-study work visas.

Speaking on France celebrating its national day, the PM said he has been to the country many a time but it was special this time. He lauded the strength of ties between the two countries, which mark the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

PM Modi also appealed to the diaspora members to invest in India, noting that global experts are recognising the country's attractiveness as an investment destination and the country is taking rapid strides in development, the PTI report further said.

Image source: ANI