‘Double cross, first class’: Why India’s Modi wins so many foreign awards

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received over 30 foreign awards during his diplomatic visits, including a newly created "Guardian of the Blue Horizon" award from the Seychelles during a June 2026 visit. This award, presented by President Patrick Herminie, recognized Modi's leadership in sustainable development and environmental conservation. However, the award's accompanying certificate contained typographical errors, which the Seychelles Foreign Ministry attributed to a "working draft." Other notable awards include Indonesia's Bintang Adipurna and the Slovak Republic's "Order of the White Double Cross, 1st Class." Experts suggest these awards are primarily aimed at enhancing Modi's personal image rather than solely representing India's diplomacy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received numerous awards during his overseas trips, with some nations creating honors specifically for him. Recently, Seychelles presented him with the "Guardian of the Blue Horizon" award, which was reportedly created just days prior and had spelling errors on its certificate, leading to accusations of it being AI-generated. The Seychelles foreign ministry later issued a statement confirming the award's authenticity. Critics suggest this pattern of receiving awards, often as the sole recipient, is part of Modi's personality-driven politics to project his greatness and India's rising influence. His party, the BJP, views these accolades as recognition of his international stature.