Russia on 12th April awarded its highest state honour i.e. 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting bilateral special & privileged strategic partnership.
According to a Russian government statement, “On 12th April, 2019 Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was decorated with the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, which is the highest state decoration of Russia for outstanding services in promoting special & privileged strategic partnership between the Republic of India and Russian Federation and for friendly relations between Russians & Indians”.
The award was given by Russian President Vladimir Putin with whom PM Modi shares a strong bond.
The two leaders have met on various occasions that include an informal summit over past 5 years endorsing defence & economic partnership. Putin was the only P-5 leader who called up Modi after the deadly Pulwama attack because he defended India's right to self-defence.
The Order of St Andrew the Apostle is given to prominent statesmen & public figures and representatives of science, culture, arts and different industries for outstanding services in promoting the wealth, greatness and glory of Russia. The order can also be awarded to foreign heads of state for exceptional services to Russia.
A few foreign awardees include President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of China Xi Jinping and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Geydar Aliev. The award ceremony is generally held at the St Andrew Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
The most recent individual who was decorated is Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matvienko. She was granted the order on 28th March, 2019.
The Order was launched in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, in honour of Saint Andrew, the 1st apostle of Jesus & patron saint of Russia. It was given in a single class and was only awarded to the most outstanding civilian or military merit.
