Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the prestigious ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a historic ceremony held at the Kremlin’s St. Andrew Hall. This honor, Russia’s highest civilian award, celebrates Prime Minister Modi’s significant contributions to fostering strong bilateral relations between India and Russia.
The ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’, established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to promoting international cooperation and mutual understanding.
Prime Minister Modi’s recognition as the first Indian leader to receive this prestigious award reflects the deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership between India and Russia. President Putin praised Modi’s unwavering commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, describing him as a key architect of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister Modi expressed profound gratitude to President Putin and the Russian people, acknowledging the honor as a testament to the enduring bond shared between India and Russia. “This recognition strengthens our resolve to deepen our cooperation across various sectors, including defense, trade, energy, and culture,” Modi affirmed.
The award ceremony highlighted the pivotal role of Indo-Russian relations in global geopolitics and emphasized the shared values of democracy, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence that underpin this strategic partnership. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the Indo-Russian friendship remains a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, contributing to regional stability and global peace.
The ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ symbolizes India’s growing influence on the world stage and underscores Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in promoting international cooperation and solidarity. As India continues to pursue its developmental goals and contribute to global governance, this recognition serves as a catalyst for deeper engagement with Russia and other countries committed to fostering a multipolar world order.
Prime Minister Modi’s dedication to strengthening ties with Russia, coupled with President Putin’s acknowledgment of India’s pivotal role in global affairs, sets a promising trajectory for enhanced cooperation in the years ahead. The conferral of this prestigious award reinforces the mutual trust and respect between the two leaders and reaffirms their shared commitment to advancing bilateral relations for the prosperity and well-being of their peoples.
In receiving the ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’, Prime Minister Modi has not only secured a place in Indo-Russian diplomatic history but has also solidified the foundation for continued collaboration and partnership between two nations bound by a common vision of peace, progress, and prosperity.
