Source: IE
Context: The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Russia’s highest civilian honour, was awarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Russia.
- Announced in 2019, the award recognized the Prime Minister for his exceptional services in enhancing the strategic partnership and fostering friendly relations between Russia and India.
About the Award:
- Recipients: The award is given to notable government and public figures, military leaders, and outstanding representatives in various fields, including science, culture, and the economy.
- It can also be awarded to foreign heads of state for their services to Russia.
- Historical Background: Named after Saint Andrew, one of Jesus’ apostles who is said to have spread Christianity in Russia and Europe, and founded the Church of Constantinople.
- Establishment: Created by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698, the order was abolished in 1918 after the Russian Revolution but was reinstated in 1998 by a presidential executive order.
- Design: The chain of the Order features 17 alternating links, with a gilded image of the State Emblem of Russia, and includes a badge, star, and a light blue silk ribbon.
Past Recipients:
- Prominent figures in Russia, including military engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov, author Sergey Mikhalkov, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church, have received the honour.
- Notable foreign recipients include Chinese President Xi Jinping and former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
