Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Russia, was honored with the 'Order of St. Andrew the Apostle' at St. Catherine's Hall in the Moscow Kremlin. This prestigious award, bestowed upon him in 2019, recognizes his significant contributions to strengthening the privileged strategic partnership and fostering friendly relations between Russia and India.

The award acknowledges Prime Minister Modi's significant role in enhancing the special strategic partnership between Russia and India, as well as fostering friendly relations between the two countries.

Established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great in honor of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and Russia's patron saint, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called is given for exceptional civilian or military achievements.

Back in 2019, the Russian Embassy in India announced, "On April 12, @narendramodi was decorated with the Order of St Andrew the Apostle for exceptional services in promoting special & privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly relations between the Russian and Indian peoples."

Russian President Vladimir Putin had also commented on the award, saying, "Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Order of St Andrew for outstanding achievements in promoting partnership with Russia."

In response, PM Modi expressed his gratitude and highlighted the strong foundation and promising future of India-Russia relations. "Honored to receive this prestigious award. I thank President Putin and the people of Russia. The foundations of India-Russia friendship are deep & the future of our partnership is bright. Extensive cooperation between our nations has led to extraordinary outcomes for our citizens," he said.

PM Modi last visited Russia in 2019, attending a forum in Vladivostok and meeting with President Putin. The leaders also met in September 2022 at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan.

During his current two-day visit to Russia for the 22nd India-Russia annual summit, PM Modi will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This visit, which began on Monday, aims to further strengthen the longstanding ties between India and Russia.

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