• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first Indian premier to have been conferred with the ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour’, France's highest civilian and military honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron.

• Modi received the honour at the Elysee Palace in Paris on July 13.

• PM Modi, who is in France for a two-day official visit, was accorded a red-carpet welcome as he arrived in Paris on July 13. 

• He will join President Macron for the French National Day celebrations on July 14 as the Guest of Honour.

The Legion of Honour

• The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour given by France is another in a series of top international awards and honours bestowed by various countries on PM Modi.

• The colour of the ribbon is red and the badge is a five-armed Maltese asterisk hung on an oak and laurel wreath.

• Other prominent world leaders who have received the honour include former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, King Charles - the then Prince of Wales, former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Secretary General of the United Nations.

• Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, The Legion of Honour is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction. 

• They are: Knight (Chevalier), Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross.

• It was first awarded on July 14, 1804.

• Although the membership to the award is restricted to French nationals, foreign nationals who serve France or uphold its ideals may also be given a distinction of the Legion.

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