Prime Minister Narendra Modi was formally presented with Russia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called,’ during a prestigious ceremony held at St Catherine’s Hall in the Moscow Kremlin. The award, initially conferred in 2019, was physically bestowed on PM Modi by Russian President Vladimir Putin, recognizing his significant role in advancing the strategic partnership and fostering friendly relations between Russia and India.
President Putin’s Commendation
In his address, President Putin acknowledged PM Modi’s longstanding commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, citing initiatives dating back to Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, including the twinning of Gujarat with Russian regions. “Dear friend, I congratulate you wholeheartedly on this prestigious Russian award and wish you good health and continued success,” President Putin remarked.
President Putin highlighted PM Modi’s efforts in elevating India-Russia relations to a special and privileged strategic partnership. He praised their cooperation across various sectors, including trade, energy, nuclear technology, and space exploration. The Russian President also underscored PM Modi’s contributions to promoting multipolarity and enhancing global and regional security through collaborative efforts in forums like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
The Prestigious Order of St Andrew the Apostle
The Order of St Andrew the Apostle, established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, is reserved for exceptional civilian or military merit. The Russian Embassy in India previously announced the award, emphasizing PM Modi’s role in promoting the special partnership between Russia and India.
PM Modi’s Engagements in Russia
During his visit to Russia, PM Modi attended the Rosatom Pavilion at the VDNKh Exhibition Centre in Moscow, underscoring India’s cooperation with Russia in nuclear energy. He addressed the Indian community, praising their role in strengthening bilateral ties and announced plans to open Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.
Significance of the India-Russia Summit
PM Modi’s visit coincided with the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, where he held bilateral discussions with President Putin. This summit marked their 16th meeting over the past decade, focusing on enhancing strategic cooperation and global prosperity through mutual collaboration. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including trade, energy, and defense, reflecting the deep and multifaceted relationship between the two nations.
Trade and Energy Cooperation
One of the key areas of focus during the summit was trade and energy cooperation. Both leaders emphasized the importance of long-term contracts for Indian energy imports, including oil and LNG, and discussed opportunities for investment in the energy sector. They also explored new avenues for collaboration in nuclear energy, with PM Modi visiting the Rosatom Pavilion to highlight the ongoing cooperation in this field.
Strengthening Defence Ties
While no new defense procurement deals were announced, PM Modi requested the expediting of delayed deliveries for India, including the remainder of the S-400 missile defense systems. Discussions also covered the spares and requirements for India-Russia joint ventures in defense production, further strengthening the defense ties between the two countries.
Connectivity and Infrastructure Projects
Connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route, and the North Sea corridor were also on the agenda. Both sides recognized the importance of these projects for enhancing trade and economic cooperation, despite the challenges posed by sanctions against Russia and Iran.
Cultural and Educational Exchanges
In addition to strategic and economic cooperation, the summit also focused on cultural and educational exchanges. PM Modi and President Putin discussed initiatives to promote people-to-people connections and enhance educational collaborations between Indian and Russian institutions. These efforts aim to deepen the cultural ties and mutual understanding between the two nations.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s visit to Russia and his receipt of the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called signify a renewed commitment to strengthening India-Russia relations. The discussions held during the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit set a robust framework for future bilateral engagements, focusing on trade, energy, defense, and cultural cooperation. As both nations continue to work together, their partnership is poised to contribute significantly to regional and global stability and prosperity.
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