PM Modi receives the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit

May 18, 2026

2 min read

VIVEK NALI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Norway’s highest honour under the order, by its King Harald V.
The Grand Cross is the highest grade of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit and is awarded in recognition of outstanding service and contribution towards strengthening ties with Norway and the international community.
With this recognition, Prime Minister Modi has now received his 32nd international honour from a foreign nation during his tenure as Prime Minister.
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was established by King Olav V in 1985 and is awarded to both Norwegian and foreign nationals in recognition of exceptional service rendered in the interests of Norway and humanity.
The insignia of the order features the Cross of St. Olav crafted in gold or silver, with crowns positioned at the four corners of the cross. At its centre is a red cross bearing the monogram of King Olav V topped with a crown.
Under the order’s protocol, the Knight’s Cross is worn on the left side of the chest, while the Commander’s Cross is suspended around the neck with a ribbon. The Grand Cross is worn with a broad sash extending from the right shoulder to the left side. For women recipients, the Knight’s Cross and Commander’s Cross are traditionally worn on the left breast, attached to a ribbon bow.