india

Updated: Apr 27, 2020 12:00 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday conferred with United Arab Emirates’s highest civilian decoration, the Order of Zayed, awarded to those who contribute to international leadership in strengthening relations with the country.

“We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, announced on Twitter.

“As an International statesman, he (PM Modi) has given a new direction to this (ties with the UAE) relation and today India’s relations with whole Islamic world is at its best,” a statement said.

Among the past recipients of this award are Russian president Vladimir Putin, former US president George W Bush, French leader Nicolas Sarkozy and German politician Angela Merkel.

Lauding Modi’s role as the prime minister , the statement added: “In India, he has given a government which is for all and includes everyone in such a diverse country having people with different religion, different language and different culture.”

Just a few days back, the UAE had deported Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Nisar Tantray accused of being a key conspirator in the 2017 attack on the Pulwama Lethpora CRPF camp.

Tantray’s deportation was seen as another example of deepening security cooperation with West Asia countries over the last few years, particularly Saudi Arabia and UAE.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj welcomed the announcement and tweeted saying this was in recognition of Prime Minister’s “stellar role in ushering” in a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries.

“I am extremely happy to welcome the announcement of Order of Zayed for a great son of India Prime Minister @narendramodi by His Highness. This is in recognition of Prime Minister’s stellar role in ushering in a new era of strategic partnership with UAE and the best ever relations with the Islamic world. On behalf of the people of India, I express our deep sense of gratitude to His Highness the President, His Highness the Crown Prince of UAE for this great honour. With this, you have honoured India and the people of India,” she tweeted in a three-part series of tweets.