PM Modi Set to Receive Russia's Highest Civilian Honor for Exceptional Service

Tags: Awards

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called on 9 July at the Moscow Kremlin's St Catherine's Hall.

An Overview of the News

• The award, established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, honors exceptional civilian or military service.

• It was bestowed upon PM Modi in 2019 for his significant role in enhancing the strategic partnership and friendly relations between Russia and India.

• Named after Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Russia, the Order is highly prestigious and recognizes outstanding contributions to bilateral relations.

• The Russian Embassy in India announced PM Modi's decoration in 2019, highlighting his efforts in fostering strategic ties.

Prime Minister Modi's Two-Day Visit to Russia

• Order of St Andrew Presentation: Formal award ceremony at St Catherine’s Hall.

• Annual Summit: 22nd India-Russia summit to enhance bilateral relations.

• Tribute Ceremony: Wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

• Bilateral Discussions: Talks with President Putin on key global and regional issues.

India-Russia Partnership:

• Russia has been a longstanding and trusted partner for India, with ties deepening significantly since the 2000 "India-Russia Strategic Partnership" declaration.

• The partnership spans various domains, including political, security, defence, trade, technology, and culture, and was elevated to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" in 2010.

• Institutionalized dialogues, such as the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission and the 2+2 Dialogue, ensure regular high-level engagement. 

• Bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $65.70 billion in FY 2023-24, with significant cooperation in defence and technology, including joint projects like the S-400 system and Kudankulam Nuclear Plant.

• The relationship remains strong, with both countries committed to expanding cooperation in new areas, supporting a multipolar world order.