In a historic ceremony at the Kremlin’s St. Andrew Hall, Russian President Vladimir Putin conferred the prestigious ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. This honor, established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698, recognizes Prime Minister Modi’s exceptional contributions to fostering robust bilateral relations between India and Russia.
The ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ is Russia’s highest civilian award and symbolizes the deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi, the first Indian leader to receive this accolade, was praised by President Putin for his steadfast commitment to enhancing cooperation across various domains, including defense, trade, energy, and culture.
During the ceremony, President Putin underscored Prime Minister Modi’s pivotal role in strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. He expressed confidence that under Modi’s leadership, bilateral relations would continue to thrive, benefiting both countries and contributing to global stability.
In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Putin and the Russian people for the honor bestowed upon him. “This recognition is a testament to the enduring friendship between our nations and our shared commitment to advancing mutual interests,” Modi remarked. He emphasized the significance of the Indo-Russian partnership in addressing global challenges and promoting peace and prosperity.
The conferral of the ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ highlights India’s growing influence on the world stage and reinforces its status as a key player in international relations. Prime Minister Modi’s acceptance of this award signifies India’s proactive engagement with Russia and other global stakeholders to foster a multipolar world order based on mutual respect and cooperation.
The ceremony at the Kremlin not only celebrated Prime Minister Modi’s achievements but also marked a significant milestone in Indo-Russian relations, reaffirming their shared values of sovereignty, democracy, and strategic autonomy. As both nations look towards the future, the award serves as a catalyst for deeper collaboration and partnership in areas of mutual interest and concern.
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 in the region and beyond. The ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ serves as a testament to his leadership and vision for India’s role in shaping a harmonious and prosperous world.
As India and Russia continue to deepen their cooperation in defense, technology, and cultural exchanges, the conferral of this prestigious award sets a positive tone for future engagements and underscores the enduring nature of the Indo-Russian friendship. Prime Minister Modi’s receipt of the ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ will undoubtedly further strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to the advancement of mutual prosperity and well-being.
