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PM RECEIVES RUSSIA’s HIGHEST STATE AWARD

Vijay Gupta. Dated: 7/12/2024 7:27:29 AM

VIJAY GUPTA MOSCOW, JULY 9 In a special ceremony in St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin, President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin conferred Russia’s highest national award "The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle” on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contribution to fostering India- Russia ties. The award was announced in 2019. While accepting the award, Prime Minister dedicated it to the people of India and to the traditional bonds of friendship between India and Russia. He further stated that the recognition illuminates the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries. This award was instituted over 300 years ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first Indian leader to be conferred with this award. “It is a testimony to Russia’s sincere gratitude to the sincere contribution you are making to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between our nations… you have always advocated broader contacts with our country. Back when you were Chief Minister of Gujarat, you came up with the initiative of twinning your state with Russian regions,” President Putin said while conferring the award. “Dear friend, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to congratulate you for this highest Russian award and wish you good health, success and all the best. To the friendly people of India, I wish peace and prosperity,” he added. He added, “Your contribution to building a resilient framework for Russian-Indian cooperation in the international arena, where both of our nations are defending the principles of multipolarity…working for the sake of stability, global and regional security, and working closely within the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.” The Order was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, in honour of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia. It is only awarded for the most outstanding civilian or military merit.