On March 20th, 2008, fareed zakaria was awarded the Best Indian Overseas Person of the Year by the Indian Government in new york. He also received honorary degrees from Oberlin College, Bates College and Brown University of Miami.

20 10, 1 June, 2008, was awarded the Padma Bushan Award as the most outstanding journalist in India by the Indian government.

Fareed zakaria's comments on current politics and economy have been recognized by many American political and economic celebrities. Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice once commented that he is "a person who knows every corner of the world", and current President Obama also regards his works as portable books.