Russia today announced its decision to confer the Order of St Andrew the Apostle – the highest state decoration of the country on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The decoration is being given to Mr Modi for his exceptional services in promoting special and privileged strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and India and friendly relations between the Russian and Indian people.

The ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ is awarded to prominent statesmen, public figures and those working in the fields of science, culture and arts in recognition of their exceptional services in promoting prosperity and glory of Russia.

The order can also be awarded to foreign heads of state for outstanding services.The foreign awardees included President of China Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Geydar Aliev.

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,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he is honoured to receive the prestigious award. In a tweet, Mr Modi thanked President Vladimir Putin and the people of Russia.

He said, foundations of India-Russia friendship are deep and the future of the partnership is bright. The Prime Minister said, extensive cooperation between the two nations has led to extraordinary outcomes for the citizens.

He said, President Putin remains a source of great strength for the India-Russia friendship and under his visionary leadership, bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two nations has scaled new heights.