India’s main opposition Congress party reacted sharply to reports of an award conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Seychelles, casting doubts over its authenticity, according to a report by British publication The Guardian on Friday.
Details of the Award and Controversy
As Modi arrived in Seychelles over the weekend, he was presented with the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” award by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, along with a trophy and certificate. However, questions soon emerged over the award’s authenticity and preparation. The certificate reportedly contained spelling errors, including “repubblic” instead of “republic” and “Seycheeles” instead of “Seychelles”.
The report added that the award was created only three days before Modi’s arrival and that he was the first and only recipient. When the certificate was processed through software, it was widely flagged as AI-generated.
Congress Reaction
The opposition Congress party seized on the controversy, with party leaders criticising the development. “Give him [Modi] any award, and he’ll come running,” the party said, as quoted in the report. Congress politician Supriya Shrinate also commented on social media, saying: “They were in such a tearing hurry that they even got the official name of the Republic of Seychelles wrong.”
BJP Defense
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the honour, describing it as a “proud moment for India” and praising the award for his “green leadership,” according to the report.
Seychelles Government Clarification
On Thursday, the Seychelles foreign ministry issued a statement clarifying that a “working draft” had been mistakenly circulated and that an “authentic and duly approved” version had since been issued. It added: “The Guardian of the Blue Horizon distinction is genuine.”
Criticism from Pakistan Officials
Reacting to the report, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said it raised "serious questions about the politics of manufactured prestige in India". "When foreign awards are created days before a visit, when certificates carry basic spelling errors, and when the recipient becomes the first and only awardee, the strategy of image management becomes an embarrassment," he said in a post on X. Tarar said the BJP had, for years, projected such honours as evidence of India's global recognition despite pursuing what he described as "hate-driven policies" at home. "But the contrast is becoming harder to hide: while Narendra Modi collects ceremonial awards abroad, ordinary Indians continue to face severe issues at home," he added.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also criticised Modi and his government, describing the episode as "the most embarrassing story ever". "This has to be the most embarrassing story ever. Awards created days before arrival, certificates printed through use of cheap AI model, obvious spelling mistakes, and then Narendra Modi becoming first & the only recipient," he said in a post on X. Asif said the episode reflected an attempt at manufactured recognition and described it as either an exercise in cheap popularity or malicious gratification. He alleged that Modi was bringing shame to India and had become a national embarrassment.
