Prime Minister Modi received Norway’s highest civilian award

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) receives Norway’s highest award, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, during a ceremony in Oslo, Norway. | Photo Credit: YouTube/@NarendraModi via PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday (May 18, 2026) honored with Norway’s highest civilian award, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, for his contribution to and leadership of India-Norway relations.

This is Prime Minister Modi’s 32nd international honour.

Also Read: Highlights of PM Modi’s visit to Norway on May 18, 2026

King Harald V of Norway awarded Prime Minister Modi with the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.

“I am honored to receive the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. This award is dedicated to the people of India and is a tribute to the enduring friendship between India and Norway. It reflects our shared commitment to global progress,” PM Modi said on social media.

Prime Minister Modi described the award as a reflection of the affection and goodwill between the people of India and Norway.

The Grand Cross is the highest degree of the Norwegian Royal Order of Merit. It is awarded for exceptional services in promoting Norwegian interests and international relations.

A day earlier, PM Modi was awarded Sweden’s prestigious ‘Royal Order of the North Star, Grand Cross Commander’ in recognition of his outstanding contribution to bilateral ties and his visionary leadership.

The award is Sweden’s highest honor given to foreign heads of government.

PM Modi arrived in Oslo earlier in the day on a two-day visit from Sweden. This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Norway and the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years.

Published – 18 May 2026 19:17 IST