Analysis: The politics behind Narendra Modi's foreign awards and the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' controversy

The article critically examines Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's extensive collection of foreign awards, using the recent "Guardian of the Blue Horizon" award from Seychelles — a hastily created trophy with embarrassing misspellings — as a case study. It explores how India's diplomatic and economic influence drives foreign governments to bestow honors on Modi, often through opaque processes. The piece includes analysis from academics and critics who argue these awards are politically motivated exchanges rather than genuine recognitions, and contrasts Modi's award tally with those of other world leaders.