The ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ is conferred to renowned statesmen and public figures. The award extends to the country’s exceptional contributors in the fields of science, culture, and arts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honoured with Russia’s highest state decoration, ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’. The award was conferred upon him on Friday for his exceptional services in promoting close ties between Russia and India.
According to a Russian official, the order is awarded to renowned statesmen and public figures. The award is also given to those contributing exceptional services in the fields of science, culture, and arts. The title is bestowed for their recognition in promoting prosperity and glory of Russia.
PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the Russian people and President Putin in a tweet. “Honoured to receive this prestigious award. I thank President Putin and the people of Russia. 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,” read his tweet.
The award was first established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, in honour of Saint Andrew. He was the First Apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia, a Russian official said. It was abolished during the Soviet Union rule in 1981. However, the award was brought back again in 1998.
PM Modi now owns seven highest awards bestowed upon him globally, including Russian order. Earlier, he was honoured with Zayed Medal of UAE on April 4, 2019. Besides, Modi has also received Seoul Peace Prize and UN Champions of the Earth Award in 2018. The same year he was conferred with the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine.
In 2016, PM Modi obtained Amir Abdulla Khan Award of Afghanistan and King Abdullaziz Sash Award of Saudi Arabia.
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