New Honour, First Recipient: Why PM Modi Received Seychelles' Guardian Of The Blue Horizon' Award

Last Updated:June 29, 2026, 12:40 IST

PM Modi thanked the people and government of Seychelles for the honour and dedicated it to countries battling the challenges of climate change.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Seychelles’ newly instituted “Guardian of the Blue Horizon" Presidential Distinction during his visit to the island nation, for his steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and advancing the aspirations of the Small Island Developing States.

PM Modi became the first recipient of the award. The honour was created only weeks before his visit after the Seychelles government overhauled its national awards system.

‘Guardian Of The Blue Horizon’

Earlier this month, Seychelles’ Parliament repealed the country’s existing National Awards system, including the Medal of the Republic of Seychelles, and approved the creation of the Guardian of the Blue Horizon distinction.

Before the change, the Medal of the Republic of Seychelles was regarded as the country’s highest national honour. According to the previous framework, every President of Seychelles was automatically entitled to receive the medal.

The earlier awards system had also attracted criticism over transparency in the manner in which the honour was conferred.

PM Modi Thanks Seychelles For Honour

PM Modi thanked the people and government of Seychelles for the honour and dedicated it to countries battling the challenges of climate change. “Grateful to the people and Government of Seychelles as well as President Herminie for conferring upon me the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’," PM Modi posted on social media after receiving the honour.

“I humbly accept this honour and dedicate it to all those countries that are fighting the challenge of climate change and consider environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations. This is a pressing challenge which we have to overcome together," PM Modi said.

He further said India is ready to do whatever is required to make “our planet greener and sustainable." “This is reflected in our various domestic policies, emphasis on Mission LiFE and global efforts like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and more," PM Modi said.

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