Amid the handshake, hugs and smile, what stood out in Narendra Modi’s first Russia visit after the country went into war with Ukraine was how India’s prime minister was honoured by President Vladimir Putin with the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle for his outstanding efforts to promote India-Russia partnership and friendship that India calls ‘time tested’.
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 was bestowed in a single class and was only awarded for the most outstanding civilian or military merit.
The venue of the ceremony, which took place on Tuesday in the grand Hall of the Order of Saint Andrew, is also significant as it has been used for ceremonial events in Russia for centuries.
During the Tsarist era, it housed the throne of the incumbent monarch. More recently, it has been used to hold inaugurations of the Russian President. Awarding the leader of another country within these historic walls signifies Russia’s commitment to this relationship.
NOT HIS FIRST
But this is not PM Modi’s first international award. In his last 10 years as prime minister, he has received a slew of international awards, including the top honours of a few countries. Here’s a list:
1. Companion of the Order of Logohu: Papua New Guinea conferred the highest civilian award for championing the cause of unity of Pacific Island countries and spearheading the cause of Global South. – May 2023
2. Companion of the Order of Fiji: Highest honour of Fiji in recognition of PM Modi’s global leadership – May 2023
3. Ebakl Award by the Republic of Palau: During his visit to Papua New Guinea, PM Modi was conferred with Ebakl Award by President Surangel S Whipps, Jr of the Republic of Palau – May 2023
4. Order of the Druk Gyalpo: Bhutan honoured PM Modi with the highest civilian decoration, Order of the Druk Gyalpo, in December 2021. PM Modi was the first foreign national to have received this award.
5. Legion of Merit by the US Government: This award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements was presented to him by then President Donald Trump in 2020.
6. King Hamad Order of the Renaissance: This is a top honour by the gulf country and was conferred in 2019
7. Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin: Highest honour of the Maldives awarded to foreign dignitaries, conferred in 2019
8. Order of St. Andrew award: Highest civilian honour of Russia, awarded in 2019
9. He also received the Order of Zayed Award the very same year. This is the highest civilian honour of the United Arab Emirates.
10. Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award: Highest honour of Palestine awarded to foreign dignitaries, conferred in 2018
11. State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan: The highest civilian honour of Afghanistan, was awarded in 2016
12. Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud: The highest honour of Saudi Arabia awarded to non-Muslim dignitaries. PM Modi received it in 2016
But that’s not all. He has also received multiple awards from international organisations and foundations, including United Nations’ top environmental award.
AWARDS BY ORGANISATIONS:
1. Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award by the Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA). This award recognises the commitment of leadership towards the future of global energy and environment. It was conferred in 2021.
2. Global Goalkeeper Award by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan — 2019
3. Champions of The Earth Award (UN’s highest environmental honour) — 2018
4. Seoul Peace Prize: Awarded biennially by Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation to individuals who have made their mark through contributions to the harmony of mankind, reconciliation between nations and to world peace — 2018
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