State PCS - Karnataka (KPSC)

• 18 May 2026

PM Modi Receives Sweden’s Highest Civilian Honour

Why in News? 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Sweden’s prestigious “Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross”, which is regarded as the highest honour awarded to a foreign Head of Government by Sweden.  

Key Points 

• Prestigious Honour: Sweden conferred the “Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross” upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
  • The honour was conferred during his visit to Sweden, where he held bilateral discussions with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
• Presented By: The honour was conferred by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in a special ceremony. 
  • This became the 31st international honour received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from a foreign country.
• Institution of Award: The Royal Order of the Polar Star was instituted in 1748 and is awarded for exceptional public service and contributions towards Swedish interests and international cooperation. 
• India-Sweden Relations: The award reflects the strengthening strategic partnership and growing cooperation between India and Sweden in areas such as trade, innovation, green transition, artificial intelligence, defence, and sustainability. 

Read More: India-Sweden Relation