Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India was awarded the prestigious ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a momentous ceremony held at the Kremlin’s St. Andrew Hall. This honor, Russia’s highest civilian award, marks a historic milestone in the bilateral relations between India and Russia, underscoring their deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership.
The ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’, established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698, is bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to fostering international cooperation and understanding. Prime Minister Modi’s recognition as the first Indian leader to receive this esteemed award reflects his pivotal role in strengthening ties between the two countries across various sectors, including defense, energy, trade, and culture.
President Putin commended Prime Minister Modi for his steadfast commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and acknowledged his role in nurturing the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. He expressed confidence that under Modi’s leadership, the partnership would continue to flourish, contributing to regional stability and global peace.
In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister Modi expressed deep gratitude to President Putin and the Russian people for the honor bestowed upon him. “This award is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect between India and Russia,” Modi stated. He emphasized the importance of the Indo-Russian partnership in addressing global challenges and promoting shared prosperity.
The conferral of the ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ symbolizes India’s growing influence on the global stage and underscores its commitment to fostering strong international relations based on mutual respect and cooperation. Prime Minister Modi’s acceptance of this prestigious award highlights India’s proactive engagement with Russia and other global stakeholders in advancing a multipolar world order.
The ceremony at the Kremlin exemplified the enduring nature of the Indo-Russian relationship, characterized by shared values of democracy, sovereignty, and strategic autonomy. As both nations continue to collaborate in areas of mutual interest and concern, the award serves as a catalyst for deeper cooperation and partnership.
Prime Minister Modi’s dedication to strengthening ties with Russia aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objectives of promoting peace, stability, and economic growth. The ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ not only honors Modi’s leadership but also reinforces India’s role as a responsible global actor committed to advancing global peace and prosperity.
As India and Russia embark on a new chapter of enhanced cooperation, the conferral of this prestigious award sets a positive tone for future engagements and reaffirms the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi’s receipt of the ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ will undoubtedly deepen bilateral ties and contribute to mutual progress and prosperity.
