Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday will officially receive the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia’s most prestigious civilian honour, bestowed upon him in 2019.

The award recognizes PM Modi’s distinguished contribution to developing a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and fostering friendly ties between the two countries.

Established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great in honor of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle is awarded for the most outstanding civilian or military merit.

In 2019, the Russian Embassy in India announced, “On April 12, @narendramodi was decorated with the Order of St Andrew the Apostle for exceptional services in promoting special & privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly relations between the Russian and Indian peoples.”

The Russian President then said on X (formerly Twitter), “Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Order of St Andrew for outstanding achievements in promoting partnership with Russia.”

In response, PM Modi highlighted the deep foundation of the friendship between the two countries and said that the future of the partnership is bright.

During his two-day visit to Russia for the 22nd India-Russia annual summit, PM Modi will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The visit, which began on Monday, will be an opportunity for PM Modi to strengthen the long-standing ties between India and Russia.

(With ANI input)