Highlighting the enduring bond between India and Russia, President Vladimir Putin conferred Russia’s highest civilian Award, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the award ceremony, Prime Minister Modi expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing that this accolade symbolizes the honor of 1.4 billion Indians and the centuries-old friendship and trust shared by the two nations.
“This honor is not just mine; it belongs to the 140 crore Indians,” Modi remarked. “It represents the deep friendship and mutual trust between India and Russia, and our special and privileged strategic partnership.”
Modi highlighted the growth of India-Russia relations over the past 25 years, attributing their strength to President Putin’s leadership. “Under your leadership, India-Russia relations have strengthened in all directions and have scaled new heights each time. The foundation of strategic ties between the two nations that you had laid has only further strengthened with the passing of time,” he said.
He further noted that the cooperation between the two countries is not just between governments but extends to the people, promising a brighter future for both nations. “Our mutual cooperation, based on people-to-people partnership, is becoming the hope and guarantee of a better future for our people,” Modi added.
Russia’s Highest Civilian Award highlights the robust and evolving partnership between India and Russia, marked by strategic, economic, and cultural ties.