Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Russia’s highest civilian honour
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Russia’s most prestigious civilian accolade, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called.
President Vladimir Putin recognized PM Modi for his remarkable efforts to foster partnership and friendship between India and Russia.
PM Modi praised Putin and Russia for the distinction, describing it as a ‘samman’ for 140 crore Indians and a reflection of the two nations’ centuries-long friendship.
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“India-Russia ties have strengthened in the past 25 years under President Putin’s leadership. We need to further encourage and support people-to-people partnership for a better future for the people of India and Russia”, PM Modi said.
“The India-Russia partnership is vital. We believe that we must continue to work together to achieve peace and stability. “We will continue to work in this direction,” the PM stated.
What is The Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called?
Tsar Peter the Great established the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called in 1698 to honor Saint Andrew, Jesus’ first apostle and Russia’s patron saint.
It was awarded in a single class and exclusively for the most exceptional civilian or military achievement. The event was place at the Grand Hall of the Order of Saint Andrew.
During the Tsarist era, it contained the throne of the current monarch. More recently, it has hosted the Russian president’s inaugurations.
