Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday awarded the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) highest civilian award — The Zayed Medal. The announcement was made by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in a tweet that said the Indian PM has been conferred the award for boosting India UAE ties.
"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."
A press release later added that PM Modi has provided "exceptional leadership in forging a new strategic relationship between India and UAE" and as an "international statesman" he has given a "new direction to this relation and today, India's relation with the whole Islamic world is at its best."
Further, the release said that in India, PM Modi has given a government which is for "all and includes everyone". Accepting the honour, PM Modi said in a tweet, "I accept this honour with utmost humility." He also lauded the crown prince and said, "Under your visionary leadership, our strategic ties have reached new heights. This friendship is contributing to the peace and prosperity of our people and planet."
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said the award is a "recognition of Prime Minister's stellar role" in ushering in an "era of strategic partnership with UAE".