Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Russia, has been awarded the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, Russia’s highest civilian honour. The award was presented in the Kremlin, recognizing PM Modi’s significant contributions to strengthening ties between India and Russia.
During the bilateral talks, PM Modi expressed deep sorrow over the recent missile strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv, which resulted in the deaths of innocent children. He conveyed these sentiments directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the pain and tragedy of such loss. These remarks were made during a televised meeting with Putin in the Kremlin.
Proud moment for Bharat!
PM @NarendraModi ji receives Russia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle.
It is a recognition of his global leadership and unwavering commitment to our time-tested ties pic.twitter.com/hVTMqXNMof
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) July 9, 2024
Meeting highlights and summit details
PM Modi addressed the Indian community in Russia, describing the country as an “all-weather friend” amid chants of “Modi-Modi.”
PM Modi and President Putin are scheduled to co-chair the 22nd India-Russia annual summit, where various aspects of bilateral cooperation will be reviewed.
Also Read: What is Order of St Andrew the Apostle — highest Russian civilian honour conferred on PM Modi
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that the discussions would include a private conversation and official talks over breakfast.
On the first day of his visit, PM Modi met President Putin at his official residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, near Moscow, for a private engagement ahead of the summit. PM Modi expressed his eagerness to review bilateral cooperation and support peaceful and stable regional developments in discussions with his “friend Vladimir Putin.”
Context and global implications
PM Modi’s visit to Russia is notable as it is his first since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This visit coincides with the 75th anniversary celebration of NATO in Washington DC, where leaders of 32 nations are gathering from July 9-11. Modi’s visit and the honours bestowed upon him underscore the ongoing strategic partnership between India and Russia, even as geopolitical tensions persist.
Also Read: ‘Devastating blow to peace efforts’: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on PM Modi’s visit to Russia
The meetings and summit are expected to further solidify India-Russia relations, with discussions likely to address various regional and global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its humanitarian impact.
