The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday asserted that Indonesia's decision to confer its highest civilian honour on Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflects the growing global trust in his leadership. BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Poonawalla claimed that Modi has received well over 30 international civilian honours, more than all previous prime ministers put together.
Indonesia's top civilian honour for PM Modi
Indonesia announced on Monday that it would bestow the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna (Star of the Republic of Indonesia) on Prime Minister Modi. The award is the highest civilian decoration in Indonesia, typically reserved for heads of state and foreign leaders who have made exceptional contributions to the nation.
Poonawalla, in a statement, highlighted that this recognition is a testament to Modi's statesmanship and his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with Indonesia and other nations. "The conferment of Indonesia's top civilian honour on PM Modi is a reflection of the deep respect and trust that the international community has in his leadership," Poonawalla said.
Modi's international civilian honours surpass all previous PMs
According to Poonawalla, Modi has received over 30 international civilian honours from various countries, including the United States, Russia, France, and the United Arab Emirates. He claimed that this tally exceeds the combined total of all previous Indian prime ministers. "No other Indian prime minister has been honoured with so many international civilian awards. This shows the global acceptance of Modi's vision and policies," Poonawalla added.
The BJP leader also noted that these honours span across continents, reflecting Modi's outreach to both developed and developing nations. "From the Pacific Islands to Africa, from Europe to Asia, leaders have recognised Modi's contribution to global peace, security, and development," he said.
Impact on India-Indonesia relations
The announcement of the award comes ahead of Modi's planned visit to Indonesia later this year. The two countries have strengthened their strategic partnership in recent years, focusing on trade, defence, and maritime cooperation. Indonesia is a key partner in India's Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific region.
Political analysts view the honour as a diplomatic boost for India, especially in the context of rising competition with China in Southeast Asia. "The award underscores Indonesia's appreciation for India's role in maintaining regional stability and promoting economic integration," said a foreign policy expert.
The BJP has used the occasion to counter opposition criticism of Modi's foreign policy, arguing that the accolades reflect the prime minister's successful diplomacy. "When the world honours our leader, it is an honour for every Indian," Poonawalla concluded.
