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PoliticsCongress slams Modi over Indonesia award, says Nehru got it posthumously without wrangling
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On July 7, 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Indonesia's highest honor, the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia' medal, by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta for strengthening bilateral ties. The Congress party, through leader Jairam Ramesh, criticized Modi, noting that India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had received the same award posthumously 'without having to wrangle it.' Modi stated the honor belongs to the people of India and reflects the historic ties between the two nations. The award, instituted in 1959, recognizes exceptional service to Indonesia's unity and prosperity.
Source report
Overview
The Congress party on Tuesday (July 7, 2026) took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he was conferred with Indonesia's highest honour, the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia' medal, noting that India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had received the same award posthumously "without having to wrangle it."
PM Modi Receives Indonesia's Highest Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia' medal on July 7, 2026, in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Indonesia. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto presented the medal to Mr. Modi in Jakarta.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers a speech during his visit at the parliament building in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 7, 2026. | Photo Credit: AP
Congress Leader's Response
Responding to a social media post highlighting that Mr. Modi is the second Indian leader after Nehru to receive Indonesia's highest honour, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X:
"And Nehru got it posthumously without having to wrangle it."
PM Modi's Remarks
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Modi said:
"This morning, I have also been conferred with Indonesia's highest honour with immense affection. This honour belongs to the crores of Indians... it belongs to the sentiments of the people of Indonesia, to the historic and intimate ties between India and Indonesia."
He added:
"I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo Ji, the Government of Indonesia, and the people here."
The Prime Minister's Office shared his remarks in a post on X.
About the Award
- Established: 1959
- Full Name: Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia
- Status: Highest honour in the Republic of Indonesia
- Purpose: Awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the unity, continuity, and prosperity of the Republic of Indonesia
Published - July 07, 2026 05:47 pm IST
Source
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Regional
Part of this Story
PM Modi receives Indonesia's highest civilian honor in Jakarta