PM Modi Receives Russia’s Highest Civilian Honour from President Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Russia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, by President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow. Defence expert Dhruv Katoch highlighted the significance of this award, reflecting the strong friendship between India and Russia.
Katoch stated, “Order of St Andrew the Apostle is not given to everybody. There are very select heads of state who get it. I think the act by the Russian President to bestow this honour on PM Narendra Modi is very significant.” He further added, “PM Modi is one person who has got strings of awards from all over the world and it’s a great honour.”
Upon receiving the honour, PM Modi thanked Putin and Russia, calling it a ‘samman’ for 140 crore Indians and a reflection of the centuries-old friendship between the two countries. Modi also reiterated his stance that war is not a solution, emphasizing the need for peace and the protection of innocent lives.
Katoch praised Modi’s consistent stand against war, stating, “When he (PM Modi) said that innocent lives are lost, it’s not just the reflection of innocent lives on one side only. It is a reflection of all sides of the war, which means Russia and Ukraine. Obviously, war is not a solution.”
He also emphasized India’s balanced position, maintaining good relations with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as their partners, the US and NATO. “We don’t want this war, we want the war to end and we want peace,” Katoch asserted.
Speaking on the Russian President’s remarks that PM Modi dedicated his “whole life” to strengthening India, Katoch noted the significant improvements in the lives of Indians over the past decade, attributing Modi’s third term to his performance. He highlighted India’s rapid economic growth and its role in promoting global peace.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day visit to Russia and departed for Austria, where he interacted with the Indian diaspora in Moscow, praising their contributions to strengthening India-Russia ties.
