'Honour for India': PM Modi 'humbled' after receiving Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour

Paris [France]: 'Humbled' at being conferred with France's highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was an "honour for the 140 crore people of India". Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said this honour shows the deep affection of the people of France towards India and resolve to further the friendship with India.

"It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President @EmmanuelMacron, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for furthering friendship with our nation," PM Modi tweeted.

In a historic moment on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron bestowed the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour on Prime Minister Narendra Modi . It is the highest French honour in military or civilian orders. PM Modi becomes the first Indian premier to receive this honour.

The award ceremony occurred at the Elysee Palace where Macron hosted PM Modi for a private dinner.

In the past, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor had been bestowed on a select few prominent leaders and eminent personalities from across the world, including late former South African President Nelson Mandela, King Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and former United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, among others.

(ANI)