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First and only: Modi’s habit of collecting overseas awards triggers row in India

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ISLAMABAD: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s habit of accumulating international accolades has come under scrutiny following his recent state visit to Seychelles, where he was awarded a newly created honor that sparked a political row at home.

Upon landing in the Indian Ocean archipelago, Prime Minister Modi was presented with the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” award by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, according to a report published in British daily The Guardian.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed the moment as a “proud day for India,” pointing to the award as international recognition of Modi’s “green leadership.”

However, domestic opposition parties and observers quickly flagged discrepancies surrounding the accolade. Critics pointed out that the distinction had been established just three days prior to Modi’s arrival, making him its first and only recipient. Furthermore, the accompanying certificate contained multiple typographical errors, misspelling “republic” as “repubblic” and “Seychelles” as “Seycheeles.” Digital analyses also flagged the document as AI-generated.

The opposition Congress party accused Modi of excessive eagerness for global accolades.

“Give him any award, and he’ll come running,” stated Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on social media, adding that authorities were in such a hurry that they failed to spell the host country’s official name correctly.

In response to the controversy, the Seychelles Foreign Ministry issued a clarifying statement, explaining that an unapproved “working draft” had been mistakenly made public and that an “authentic and duly approved” version had since been finalized.

The ministry maintained that the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” award remains a genuine honor.

Political analysts note that securing high-profile decorations has become an established expectation ahead of the Prime Minister Modi’s overseas visits during his 12 years in power.

Biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay stated that this trend is central to a strategy aimed at demonstrating to domestic supporters that Modi possesses exceptional global stature, thereby linking India’s rising geopolitical influence directly to his personal brand.

The controversy follows similar patterns noted during other recent foreign trips. Earlier this year, the Israeli parliament established the Medal of the Knesset, a top honor presented to Modi upon his arrival in Israel, where he remains the sole recipient.

Past awards have faced similar trajectories; in 2019, Modi received India’s newly formed Philip Kotler Presidential Award, which was intended to be given annually to global leaders but has since seen its website go dormant without any subsequent recipients.

Over the past year, Modi has also been recorded as the first foreign head of state to receive Ethiopia’s Great Honour Nishan and the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

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SSP Operations inspects Faisal Mosque, G-6 Imambargah security, orders heightened vigilance

SSP Operations

ISLAMABAD: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza on Friday visited Faisal Mosque and the G-6 Imambargah during Friday prayers to review security arrangements, directing deployed personnel to remain on high alert and intensify action against suspicious persons and criminal elements.

An ICT Police spokesperson told APP that the SSP met police officers deployed at both places and personally reviewed security measures and checking arrangements.

Qazi directed the personnel to perform their duties with complete vigilance, commitment and professional responsibility, stressing that there should be no compromise on security during religious gatherings.

He ordered officers to maintain a close watch on suspicious individuals and criminal elements and take prompt action in accordance with law wherever required.

The SSP Qazi stressed that honesty, integrity and professional policing were essential to controlling crime and providing a secure environment to residents of the federal capital.

He also directed personnel conducting security checks to treat citizens with respect and courtesy, while ensuring that established security procedures were implemented effectively.

“Making citizens feel safe and protected is our responsibility,” Qazi said, adding that protection of lives and property and effective control of crime remained top priorities of Islamabad Police.

The SSP also appealed to citizens to cooperate with police personnel during security checks, saying public cooperation was important for maintaining effective security across the capital.

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Dar lauds positive momentum in Pakistan-UK relations amid meeting British HC

Muhammad Ishaq Dar, UK High Commissioner,

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Friday met UK High Commissioner, Jane Marriott here and appreciated the positive momentum in Pakistan-UK relations.

During the meeting, the deputy prime minister recalled his recent meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila and highlighted the importance of sustained high-level contacts. They discussed key areas of mutual interest and ways to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, a DPM’s Office news release said.

However, recent regional and international developments also figured in the discussion. The DPM/FM stressed that the Islamabad MoU should be implemented by the parties in letter and spirit and reaffirmed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only way forward to address outstanding issues.

The UK High Commissioner conveyed warm wishes on Pakistan’s Independence Day.

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DPM/FM Dar directs ambassador designate to Sweden to actively promote bilateral ties

Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Sweden

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Friday received Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Sweden, Ahmed Amjad Ali.

During the meeting, the DPM/FM underscored the importance of further advancing Pakistan-Sweden economic ties, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, technology, renewable energy, agriculture, education and skills development.

He directed the Ambassador-designate to actively promote business-to-business linkages, facilitate greater investment and strengthen people-to-people contacts.

He also emphasized the need for efficient and timely provision of consular services, particularly for Pakistani students and the diaspora.

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