New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has garnered significant international recognition, reflecting his influence on global diplomacy and leadership. Since assuming office in 2014, he has been honored with numerous prestigious awards from various countries, showcasing India's rising prominence on the world stage.

One of the earliest recognitions came in 2016 when Saudi Arabia bestowed upon him the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the kingdom's highest honor. This award was not just a nod to his diplomatic engagements but also highlighted the strengthening ties between India and Saudi Arabia. 

In 2016, Afghanistan acknowledged PM Modi's contributions to bilateral relations by conferring him with the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, their highest civilian honor. This was followed by an award from Palestine in 2018, where he was given the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, signifying his commitment to fostering peace and cooperation in the region.

The United Arab Emirates honored PM Modi with the Order of Zayed Award in 2019, recognizing his role in enhancing India-UAE relations. This award, named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding father, is one of the highest civilian honors in the UAE, previously given to leaders like Queen Elizabeth II and President Xi Jinping of China.

Russia, in 2019, conferred upon Modi the Order of St. Andrew, acknowledging his efforts in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Russia. This award, established in 1698, is Russia's most prestigious civilian decoration. The Maldives also recognized Modi's leadership that year with the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin, their highest honor for foreign dignitaries.

Bahrain's King Hamad Order of the Renaissance was awarded to PM Modi in 2019, highlighting his contributions to deepening the India-Bahrain relationship. The same year, the United States recognized Modi with the Legion of Merit for his role in advancing India-US strategic partnership, an award typically given for military service but extended to him due to his exceptional contributions to international relations.

In 2021, Bhutan honored Modi with the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, the country's highest civilian award, making him the first foreign head of government to receive this honor. This award was a testament to the strong bonds between India and Bhutan, particularly in development and cultural exchange.

On the environmental front, Modi received the UN's Champions of the Earth Award in 2018, jointly with French President Emmanuel Macron, for their work on the International Solar Alliance and Modi's pledge to eliminate single-use plastic in India by 2022. This recognition underscored his commitment to sustainable development.

The Seoul Peace Prize in 2018 further solidified Modi's international stature, awarded for his contributions to economic growth and social equity, encapsulated in his economic policies often referred to as "Modinomics." 

In 2019, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation honored him with the Global Goalkeeper Award for the Swachh Bharat Mission, which aimed at improving sanitation across India, demonstrating his focus on health and hygiene at a national level.

More recently, during his visit to the Pacific Islands in May 2023, both Fiji and Papua New Guinea conferred their highest civilian honors, the Companion of the Order of Fiji and the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, respectively, acknowledging his leadership in fostering ties with the Pacific region.

These awards collectively paint a picture of Narendra Modi as a leader not only focused on domestic transformation but also committed to global collaboration, enhancing India's diplomatic footprint worldwide.