Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, during his two-day visit to Oslo. Multiple outlets report that the award is Norway’s top grade within the order and is conferred on foreign and Norwegian nationals for outstanding service in the interests of Norway and “mankind.” The Grand Cross is described as being awarded for exceptional contributions that advance Norway’s interests and international relations. Several reports also note that the honour is the 32nd global award for Modi. Business Standard adds context that Modi arrived in Norway after a trip to Sweden and that his Norway visit is his first to the country as Prime Minister. The same report says this marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Norway in 43 years. Coverage also links the visit to diplomatic engagement between Modi and Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, including an agreement on a “Green Strategic Partnership,” according to Mint.