United Nations (UN) has recognised Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the prestigious Champions of the Earth Award. UN Environment has announced that Modi has been awarded in the Policy Leadership category, for his efforts regarding their International Solar Alliance.

The award also recognises the efforts for promoting new areas of co-operation on environmental action. This includes Modi's unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.

President of France, Emmanuel Macron has also been awarded in the same category for his work on the Global Pact for the Environment.

"Six of the world's most outstanding environmental changemakers will be recognized today with a Champions of the Earth Award, the UN's highest environmental honor," a UN statement said on Wednesday.

The annual Champions of the Earth prize, which was founded thirteen years ago, is awarded to outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private sector whose actions have had a positive impact on environment.