In another major achievement for Narendra Modi, Russia on Thursday announced its highest civilian award ‘Order of St Andrew’ for the Indian Prime Minister. In a statement, Russia said that the PM has been honoured for exceptional services in further improving ties between both countries.
“On April 12, 2019, Indian PM Narendra Modi was decorated with Order of St Andrew the Apostle-highest state decoration of Russia -for exceptional services in promoting special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India. Russian president signed the decree. Highest Russian award,” the Russian embassy said in a statement.
It was in 1698 that Tsar Peter the Great had established the Order in the honour of Saint Andrew, the first of 12 disciples of Jesus Christ and patron saint of Russia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked President Putin and the people of Russia. “Foundations of India-Russia friendship are deep and the future of our partnership is bright. Extensive cooperation between our nations has led to extraordinary outcomes for our citizens.”
“President Putin remains a source of great strength for the India-Russia friendship. Under his visionary leadership, bilateral and multilateral cooperation between our nations has scaled new heights,” Modi said 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. https://t.co/4ppEC7ZAWe
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2019