Order of St Andrew the Apostle: All About Russia's Highest Civilian Award Conferred to PM Modi

Moscow: Russian President Vlimir Putin on Tuesday honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russia's Highest Civilian Honour, Order of St Andrew Apostle. PM Modi was bestowed with award by Russian president during ir joint statement in Moscow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was ceremoniously presented with Order of St Andrew Apostle First-Called, which was bestowed on him in year 2019 at St Carine's Hall of Moscow Kremlin during his visit to Russia n.

order was presented to Prime Minister of India for his distinguished contribution to development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between two countries.

PM Modi was conferred with award at Grand Hall of Order of Saint Andrew, which has been used for ceremonial events in Russia for centuries. It is said that during Tsarist era, it housed throne of incumbent monarch. Importantly, awarding leer of anor country within se historic walls is being considered as a great honour.

PM Modi Dedicates Award to People of India

While accepting award, Prime Minister Modi dedicated it to people of India and tritional bonds of friendship between India and Russia. He furr stated that recognition illuminates Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between two countries, said a statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs.

"I am heartily grateful to you for conferring me with highest civilian honour of Russia. This honour is not just mine, this is an honour of 140 crore Indians. This is an honour of centuries-old and deep friendship and mutual trust between India and Russia," PM Modi said after receiving award.

What is ‘Order of St Andrew Apostle’

Order of St Andrew Apostle was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter Great, in honour of Saint Andrew, first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia. It is only awarded for most outstanding civilian or military service.

PM Modi’s Visit To Russia

PM Modi is visiting Moscow for first time since Russia launched its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022. visit aimed to strengn New Delhi’s long-standing relationship with Moscow. He last visited Russia in 2019.

Earlier in day, PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with Russian President Vlimir Putin and said that India’s oil pact with Moscow provided price stability on a global level. prime minister is expected to have a one-on-one meeting with Putin, concluding first leg of his two-day visit. During meeting at a private dinner a day before, Russia reportedly agreed to discharge and facilitate return of all Indians fighting for Russian army in Ukraine, which is being considered as a breakthrough achieved during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Moscow.

After completing his visit to Russia, PM will n depart for Austria, where he plans to meet with Austrian President and hold bilateral talks with Chancellor, followed by a meeting with a business delegation.