India

PM Modi Receives Russia’s Highest Civilian Honour, Dedicates It To 140 Cr Indians

By
OB Bureau

Moscow: During his recent visit to Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with Russia’s highest civilian honour— the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle— on Tuesday.

In 2019, it was announced that PM Modi would be conferred with the award for his exceptional service in ‘promoting special & privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly relations between the Russian and Indian peoples.’

President Vladimir Putin had conferred the award upon Modi.

“Honoured to receive the The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle. I thank the Russian Government for conferring the award. This award is dedicated to my fellow 140 crore Indians,” Modi wrote on X.

Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs posted pictures of PM Modi and President Putin on his official X handle. “An honour symbolising the depth of India-Russia ties! PM Narendra Modi conferred with Russia’s highest national award, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle by President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin today,” he wrote.

Focus on bilateral ties with Russia
According to a DD News report, both the leaders highlighted the importance of Indo-Russia relations in the current global context during the award ceremony. “In today’s global atmosphere, India and Russia partnership becomes all the more important. Both of us believe that continuous efforts should be made for global stability and peace,” Modi said, as per the report.
The PM also praised President Putin’s leadership for strengthening bilateral ties across all sectors over the past two-and-a-half decades.
“Our mutual cooperation, based on people-to-partnership, is becoming the hope and guarantee of a better future of our people,” the PM added.

What’s the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle award?
In Russia, this award—which is named after Saint Andrew, who is believed to be one of the apostles or 12 original followers of Jesus—is given to prominent public figures, government officials, military leaders and to those who have shown outstanding contribution to science, culture, art, and various sectors of the economy. It can also be given to heads of foreign states for notable services to the Russian Federation.

It is believed that after Christ’s crucifixion, the apostle travelled great distances to spread his message. Saint Andrew had travelled to Russia, Greece, and other places in Europe and Asia. He had founded the Church of Constantinople, which later led to the establishment of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Who established the award?
In 1698, Tsar Peter the Great (1672–1725) had established the Order of Saint Andrew award. The chain of the Order comprises 17 alternating links, and includes a double-headed eagle, the State Emblem of the Russian Federation. It also has a badge, a star, and a light blue silk moire ribbon. For those honoured for distinction in combat, the badge and star are adorned with swords. It was abolished in 1918 following the Russian Revolution, which marked the end of Tsarist regime. It was re-established in 1998 by an Executive Order of the President of Russia.

Past recipients
This award was given to military engineer and gun designer Mikhail Kalashnikov, author Sergey Mikhalkov, the last leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, Russian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Alexy II, and the current head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Krill.

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

Gautam Adani, His Nephew & Vneej Jain Not Charged In Bribery Case: Former Attorney General Of India Defends Billionaire

New Delhi: The Adani Group on Wednesday strongly dismissed allegations of bribery and violations of…

November 27, 2024

Odisha IAS Officer Sujata Karthikeyan Joins Duty After Rejection Of Leave Extension Application

Bhubaneswar: Senior IAS officer Sujata Karthikeyan, wife of V K Pandian, joined duties on Wednesday…

November 27, 2024

4 Teams Formed To Trace Suspect In Baby Theft At VIMSAR In Odisha’s Sambalpur

Sambalpur: Four special teams have been formed to trace a woman, suspected to be involved…

November 27, 2024

Ceasefire Starts Between Israel, Hezbollah To End Fighting In Lebanon, Know The Terms Of The Truce

Jerusalem: Paving the way to end the conflict in Lebanon, Israel’s security cabinet on Tuesday…

November 27, 2024

Know Why Jagannath Temple In Odisha’s Puri Will Remain Closed For 5 Hours Today

Puri: Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri town will remain closed for devotees for five…

November 27, 2024

Junior Mining Officer In Odisha Vigilance Net; Raid On At 7 Places

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance sleuths on Wednesday launched simultaneous raids at seven places linked to Padmanav…

November 27, 2024

Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Patients Stage Dharna For Blood Transfusion Centre At MKCG Hospital In Odisha’s Berhampur

Berhampur: Hundreds of thalassemia and sickle cell patients on Tuesday staged a demonstration demanding a…

November 26, 2024

Samantha Ruth Prabhu Was Labelled ‘Second Hand’, ‘Used’ After Divorce With Naga Chaitanya

Mumbai: Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu and her ex-husband actor Naga Chaitanya have moved on after…

November 26, 2024