In a landmark event held at St. Andrew Hall within the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin bestowed the esteemed ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This prestigious award, established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, stands as Russia’s highest civilian honor, recognizing exceptional contributions to fostering international relations.
Prime Minister Modi, in accepting this accolade, becomes the first Indian leader to receive the Order, marking a significant milestone in Indo-Russian diplomatic history. The ceremony was a testament to the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations.
President Putin commended Prime Minister Modi for his unwavering dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and expressed confidence in the continued growth of Indo-Russian relations. He conveyed his best wishes for Modi’s future endeavors, underscoring the mutual respect and trust that characterize the relationship between the two leaders.
In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister Modi expressed deep gratitude to President Putin and the Russian people, emphasizing that the honor belongs not just to him but to all Indians. “Our friendship with Russia is rooted in history, and this recognition further illuminates our enduring bond,” Modi remarked. He highlighted the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, citing the robust cooperation across various sectors as pivotal to global peace and stability.
The ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ is a symbol of the shared values and aspirations of India and Russia, transcending geographical boundaries to strengthen cooperation in defense, trade, culture, and technology. Prime Minister Modi’s acknowledgment of this honor as a testament to India’s growing stature on the world stage underscores the country’s commitment to building strong international partnerships.
Reflecting on this proud moment, Prime Minister Modi tweeted, “Honored to receive the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. I dedicate it to the people of India.” His words resonate with a nation celebrating his achievements and recognizing the significance of this award in bolstering India’s global standing.
As India continues to expand its footprint in international relations, the conferral of this prestigious award serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring friendship between India and Russia and the promise of a future marked by strengthened ties and shared prosperity.
This ceremony not only honored Prime Minister Modi’s contributions but also reaffirmed the deep-rooted bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite India and Russia in their pursuit of a better world.
