Brazil's highest civilian award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Why in news?

• Brazil has awarded its highest civilian award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The ceremony was held in Brasilia on 8 July 2025.
• Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva presented this award.
• This award is: "Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross".
• It is awarded only to foreign heads of state.

Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross

• This award was established in 1822 to commemorate Brazil's independence.
• This award is given to foreign individuals who have established strong ties with Brazil and its citizens.
• This is Brazil's highest civilian award which is given only to foreign dignitaries. • Earlier, Emperor Naruhito of Japan, President of Italy Sergio Mattarella etc. have received this honor.

Impact on India-Brazil relations

• This honor gives new heights to bilateral relations.
• In the talks between the two countries, special emphasis was laid on these areas:
  • Trade and investment
  • Energy and green technology
  • Defense and space cooperation
  • Agriculture, health and science
  • People-to-People Contact
• Ideas were also shared regarding cooperation and representation of the global south.

Global and national importance

• This is the 26th international honor received by PM Modi.
• It reflects the success of India's foreign policy and the global acceptance of the Prime Minister.
• This honor is a symbol of pride and global strategic role for India.

Brazil:

• Official name: Federative Republic of Brazil
• Capital: Brasilia
• Largest city: Sao Paulo
• Language: Portuguese (the only Latin American country where Portuguese is spoken)
• 5th largest country in the world
• Bordering countries: French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay