Modi selected for Seoul Peace Prize

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been selected for the Seoul Peace Prize for 2018 for his contribution to fostering international cooperation and global economic growth.

A statement from the Indian Prime Minister's Office said today that the award committee recognised Modi's contributions to the growth of Indian and global economies, crediting 'Modinomics' for reducing social and economic disparity between the rich and the poor.

It said the committee lauded Modi's initiatives to make the government cleaner through anti-corruption measures and demonetization, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

"The committee also credited Modi for his contribution towards regional and global peace through a proactive foreign policy with countries around the world under the 'Modi Doctrine' and the 'Act East Policy," said the statement.

After assessing over 100 candidates proposed by over 1,300 nominators from around the world, the award committee decided to bestow the honour on Modi, calling him 'the perfect candidate' for the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize, it added.

Modi is the fourteenth recipient of the Seoul Peace Prize; awarded biennially to individuals who have made their mark through contributions to the harmony of mankind, reconciliation between nations and to world peace.

Past winners of the award include distinguished global personalities like former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and renowned international relief organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam.

The award will be presented to Modi by the Seoul Peace Prize Foundation at a mutually convenient date.