New Delhi: During his visit to Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented to the country’s highest civilian honor, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross. Brazilian President Luiz Inecio Lula Da Silva presented the award at a special ceremony held in Brasilia. The award recognizes PM Modi’s efforts to deepen relations between India and Brazil and create strong cooperation on international forums such as BRICS, The G20 and UN. The honor highlights the increasing strategic and diplomatic partnership between the two countries, especially in areas such as trade, climate action, technology and south-south cooperation. With this, PM Modi has now received 26 top international honors from various foreign governments since becoming Prime Minister in May 2014.After being honored with the honor, Prime Minister Modi said, “I would like to thank President Lula for warm welcome. Today is a proud and emotional moment not only for me, but also for 140 crore Indians, as I have been honored with Brazil’s highest civilian honor. I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of Brazil, and people.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi was earlier welcomed with full state honor at Alvorda Palace in Brasilia on Tuesday as part of his official visit to Brazil after the BRICS summit. Brazilian President Luiz Inecio Lula Da Silva personally received PM Modi at the entrance of the palace. The two leaders exchanged warm necks before the formal ceremony began. As part of the honor, PM Modi was given a formal guard of honor, and the national anthem of both India and Brazil were played. A unique feature of the reception was a special 114-Horse Ceremonial Parade, which mark the importance of the opportunity.