PM Modi Honoured with the Order of St. Andrew by Russia

It is Russia's Highest Civilian Award and is Conferred Very Sparingly.

Award Presentation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

On the 9th of July, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was formally presented with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This prestigious award, Russia’s highest civilian honour, had been initially bestowed upon him back in 2019. The ceremony recognised Prime Minister Modi's exceptional services in promoting the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India (video). PM Modi dedicated the award to the people of India.

Notable Recipients of the Order

Over the years, several prominent figures have been honoured with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, signifying their profound contributions to their fields and to the Russian state. Some of the distinguished recipients include:

• Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of the Soviet Union, awarded in 1996

• Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, awarded in 1968

• Dmitry Medvedev, former President and Prime Minister of Russia, awarded in 2008

• Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany

• Xi Jinping, President of China, received the award on the 4th of July, 2017

Historical Background of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle

The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle is Russia's highest order of chivalry. It was first established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698, intended to honour the most distinguished achievements to the state. Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, the order was abolished but was later reinstated in 1998 as the foremost Russian civilian award.

The order is named after Saint Andrew the Apostle, known as "First-Called" (Prōtoklētos) in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Saint Andrew, a fisherman by trade and the brother of Saint Peter, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and preached across modern-day Greece and Turkey. He was martyred in Patras, Greece, on an X-shaped cross, which he chose because he felt unworthy to die on the same type of cross as Jesus. This form of crucifixion led to the X-shaped cross being named "Saint Andrew's Cross".

Saint Andrew’s enduring legacy is commemorated through this prestigious award, celebrating those who have provided exceptional service to the nation of Russia and beyond.

Significance and Insignia of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle

The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called stands as Russia's highest accolade, bestowed upon distinguished statesmen, public figures, and eminent individuals from science, culture, the arts, and various industries. This prestigious award recognises exceptional services that contribute to the prosperity, grandeur, and glory of Russia. Additionally, it may be awarded to foreign heads of states in recognition of their outstanding service to the Russian Federation.

The insignia of the Order has retained its historic elegance with minimal changes from its imperial design. It comprises a badge featuring a double-headed eagle, symbolising the holder's esteemed status and connection to Russian tradition. This badge can be attached to a chain, known as a "collar," which is worn around the neck on very special occasions. More commonly, it is displayed on a 100 mm-wide blue sash that drapes over the right shoulder, bearing a close resemblance to the shade of the sash of the British Order of the Garter. Additionally, a star is worn on the left breast, completing the ensemble.

For members of the military division of the Order, crossed swords are added beneath the crown above the two eagle heads, denoting their martial contributions. On the reverse of the eagle, the Order's motto, «За веру и верность» ("For faith and loyalty"), is inscribed in gold letters on a white ribbon, encapsulating the core values this honour represents.

A Testament to Strengthened Ties and National Pride

This award not only marks the acme of India-Russia relations but also underscores Prime Minister Modi's stature as a formidable international statesman. The presentation of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle to him is a testimony to his significant role in enhancing strategic partnerships and diplomatic ties on a global scale. For every Indian, this accolade is a matter of immense pride and a symbol of the country's respected position on the world stage, reflecting a shared history and mutual respect between the two nations.