Moscow: In a historic ceremony held at St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin, President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Vladimir Putin, bestowed Russia’s highest national honour, “The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle,” upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This prestigious award recognizes Prime Minister Modi’s exceptional contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between India and Russia.
The announcement of this esteemed award was made in 2019, underscoring the significance of Prime Minister Modi’s efforts in enhancing the longstanding ties between the two nations. During the ceremony, President Putin highlighted the Prime Minister’s role in promoting cooperation across various sectors, including defense, trade, energy, and cultural exchanges.
Accepting the award with humility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated it to the people of India and emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between India and Russia. He expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that it symbolizes the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership shared by the two countries.
“The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle” holds a legacy of over 300 years and is traditionally awarded for outstanding achievements in diplomacy, culture, and international relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi becomes the first Indian leader to be conferred with this prestigious honor, marking a significant milestone in India-Russia relations.