Muscat/New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Sultanate of Oman has conferred its highest civilian decoration on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, placing him among a select group of world leaders to receive the rare honour.
During his official visit to Muscat, PM Modi was awarded The First Class of the Order of Oman, the country’s most prestigious national honour. The award recognises his contribution to strengthening India–Oman relations and deepening cooperation across political, economic and strategic domains.
#WATCH | Oman confers its national honour on PM @narendramodi.
PM Modi receives The First Class of the Order of Oman award.
It has been previously given to Queen Elizabeth, Queen Maxim, Emperor Akihito, Nelson Mandela, and King Abdullah of Jordan
This is the 29th such global… pic.twitter.com/JrNtDN7I2r
— DD News (@DDNewslive) December 18, 2025
With this, Modi has now received 29 international honours, reflecting his growing global stature and India’s expanding diplomatic influence.
An honour reserved for global icons
The Order of Oman has historically been bestowed only on eminent global figures, including Queen Elizabeth II, Japan’s Emperor Akihito, Nelson Mandela, and King Abdullah II of Jordan. Modi’s inclusion in this distinguished list underscores the importance Oman attaches to its partnership with India.
Diplomatic sources note that the honour is traditionally reserved for kings, heads of state, crown princes and heads of government whose nations share exceptionally close and trusted ties with the Sultanate.
in pictures | His Majesty meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
read more: https://t.co/18nFaINV3z pic.twitter.com/H5iAbqLJxj
— Times of Oman (@timesofoman) December 18, 2025
Boost to India–Oman ties
The award comes amid renewed momentum in India–Oman relations, with both sides focusing on trade, investment, maritime cooperation and regional connectivity. Oman’s strategic location along key sea lanes in the western Indian Ocean makes it a vital partner in India’s Gulf and West Asia outreach.
For New Delhi, the recognition is more than ceremonial—it signals political goodwill and mutual confidence at a time when India is strengthening its engagement with long-standing partners in the Gulf.
As PM Modi continues his West Asia diplomacy, the honour from Oman stands out as a strong endorsement of India’s rising global profile and its deepening ties with the Arab world.
