Oslo, May 18 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Norway's highest honour under the order, by its King Harald V on Monday.

The Grand Cross is the highest grade of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit and is awarded in recognition of outstanding service and contribution towards strengthening ties with Norway and the international community.

With this recognition, Prime Minister Modi has now received his 32nd international honour from a foreign nation during his tenure as Prime Minister.

The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was established by King Olav V in 1985 and is awarded to both Norwegian and foreign nationals in recognition of exceptional service rendered in the interests...