PM Modi receives ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ award from Russian president Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was formally conferred with the prestigious ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ award by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a ceremony held in Moscow. This honor was bestowed upon Modi in recognition of his exceptional contributions to fostering bilateral relations between India and Russia.
Expressing his gratitude, Prime Minister Modi dedicated the award to the people of India, stating, “Honoured to receive the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. I dedicate it to the people of India.”
The Order of St Andrew the Apostle, established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, is the highest state decoration of Russia, named in honor of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Russia and the first apostle of Jesus.
During their meeting at the Kremlin, President Putin thanked Prime Minister Modi for his efforts towards finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, notably mentioning India’s role in seeking resolution to the Ukraine crisis through diplomatic means. “I am grateful to you for the attention you pay to the most pressing issues, particularly trying to find ways to resolve the Ukraine crisis, primarily through peaceful means,” Putin remarked during the talks.
In his televised remarks, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace, emphasizing, “For a bright future for the new generation, peace is most essential…Peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets.”
The leaders also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation within international organizations such as the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and BRICS. President Putin highlighted the substantial increase in trade between India and Russia, noting a 66% rise last year and an additional 20% in the first quarter of this year.
Moreover, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on Prime Minister Modi’s peace initiatives, expressing skepticism about NATO’s reception of these efforts amidst ongoing summit discussions. However, he acknowledged the growing international dialogue on peaceful resolutions.
President Putin reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Russia and India, describing it as “privileged” and expressing satisfaction with the enduring friendship between the two countries.
This award ceremony and subsequent discussions underscore the deepening ties between India and Russia across various spheres, from strategic partnerships to international diplomacy, reflecting a shared commitment to global stability and cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi was also invited by President Putin to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan later this year, further reinforcing the collaborative efforts within the grouping comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The conferral of the ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ award marks a significant milestone in Indo-Russian relations, highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s role in strengthening the historic bond between the two nations.
