Prime Minister Narendra Modi has added another major international honour to his name after being conferred with Oman’s highest national award, the First Class of the Order of Oman, during his two-day official visit to the Sultanate. With this recognition, PM Modi has become the first global leader to receive top civilian honours from five of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The Order of Oman is the highest distinction granted by the Sultanate to foreign heads of state and eminent global figures. The honour further strengthens PM Modi’s growing list of international recognitions, which also includes prestigious awards such as Ethiopia’s Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia and Kuwait’s Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer.
Reacting to the honour, Prime Minister Modi said the award symbolises the deep-rooted friendship, trust and mutual respect between India and Oman. He dedicated the recognition to the people of both nations and to their ancestors, who forged historic ties through centuries of maritime trade between Mandvi and Muscat.
This marks PM Modi’s 29th international civilian award since assuming office in May 2014, underlining India’s expanding diplomatic influence and the global acknowledgement of its leadership. With the latest honour from Oman, Modi now stands alone as the only world leader to be decorated with the highest civilian awards from five Gulf nations.
Top Civilian Awards Received by PM Modi in Gulf Countries
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Saudi Arabia – Order of King Abdulaziz: Awarded in April 2016, this is the kingdom’s highest civilian honour, named after the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz Al Saud.
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United Arab Emirates – Order of Zayed: Conferred in August 2019 by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, recognising Modi’s role in strengthening India-UAE strategic ties.
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Bahrain – King Hamad Order of the Renaissance: Presented during PM Modi’s historic visit to Bahrain in 2019, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country.
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Kuwait – Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer: Bestowed in December 2024 at Bayan Palace by Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, placing Modi alongside global figures such as King Charles III and former US presidents.
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Oman – Order of Oman: Conferred by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in recognition of PM Modi’s contributions to enhancing bilateral relations between India and Oman.
Among the six Gulf nations, Qatar remains the only country yet to award its highest civilian honour to PM Modi, even as diplomatic and strategic engagements between New Delhi and Doha continue.