The order was presented to the PM Modi for his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries.
What is ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’
The Order of St Andrew the Apostle is the highest order of chivalry in Russia. It was established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698 in honor of Saint Andrew, who is considered the patron saint of Russia. The order was originally created to recognize outstanding civilian and military merit and to reward individuals for exceptional service to the state.
The Order was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, in honour of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia. It is only awarded for the most outstanding civilian or military merit.
The insignia of the order typically includes a blue sash, a badge featuring a cross of St. Andrew, and a star worn on the chest. The badge is a golden cross of St. Andrew with an image of the apostle crucified on an X-shaped cross.
The order was abolished after the Russian Revolution in 1917 but was revived in the post-Soviet era. It continues to be awarded in the Russian Federation today, maintaining its prestige as a symbol of high honor and distinction.
In contemporary Russia, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle is still awarded by the President of Russia for exceptional service to the nation, upholding its historical tradition as the highest state decoration.
PM Modi awarded in 2019
The Russian Embassy in India had in 2019 said, “On April 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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.”
The Russian President had then said on X, “Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Order of St Andrew for outstanding achievements in promoting partnership with Russia”.
To this, PM Modi replied that the foundation of the friendship between the two countries is deep and the future of the partnership is bright.
“Honoured 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 travelled to Russia in 2019, when he attended a forum in the far eastern port of Vladivostok and met with Putin. The leaders also saw each other in September 2022 at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, held in Uzbekistan.
