PM Modi Receives Russia’s Highest Civilian Honour from President Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia’s highest civilian honour, at St Catherine’s Hall of the Moscow Kremlin. Although the award was given in 2019, PM Modi received it physically on Tuesday.
Significance of the Award
Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the award to PM Modi for his significant contributions to the strategic partnership between Russia and India and the friendly relations between the two countries. President Putin praised PM Modi’s efforts in strengthening the ties between the nations, even from his time as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
President Putin’s Remarks
President Putin congratulated PM Modi, saying, “Dear friend, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to congratulate you for this highest Russian award and wish you good health, success and all the best. To the friendly people of India, I wish peace and prosperity.” He also highlighted PM Modi’s role in elevating India-Russia ties to a strategic partnership and their cooperation in various fields like trade, economic, nuclear, and space exploration.
Historical Context
The Order of St Andrew the Apostle was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great in honour of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia. It is awarded for the most outstanding civilian or military merit.
PM Modi’s Response
PM Modi expressed his gratitude, stating, “Honoured to receive this prestigious award. I thank President Putin and the people of Russia. The foundations of India-Russia friendship are deep & the future of our partnership is bright.”
Official Visit to Russia
During his official visit to Russia, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with President Putin and visited the Rosatom Pavilion at the VDNKh Exhibition Centre. He also addressed the Indian community in Moscow, announcing the opening of Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. PM Modi emphasized the strong ties between India and Russia and their positive impact on global prosperity.
Earlier, PM Modi was welcomed at the Vnukovo-II Airport by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. PM Modi and President Putin have met 16 times over the past 10 years, with their last meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand in 2022.
