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Context:

• The Prime Minister of India was awarded Russia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, during his visit to the country.

Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle

• The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle is Russia's highest civilian honour.
• Established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, it was reinstated in 1998 after being abolished in 1918 following the Russian Revolution.
• Its name comes from Saint Andrew, who is believed to be one of the apostles or 12 original followers of Jesus.
• After Christ’s crucifixion, the apostles are said to have travelled great distances to spread his message.
• Saint Andrew travelled to Russia, Greece, and other places in Europe and Asia, and founded the Church of Constantinople, which later led to the establishment of the Russian Orthodox Church. More than 90 million people follow the Church in Russia, out of the country’s population of around 140 million.

Criteria for Award:

• Given for exceptional services to Russia by prominent government officials, military leaders, scientists, artists, and individuals from various sectors.
• Foreign heads of state can also receive it for outstanding contributions to the Russian Federation.

Previous Recipients:

• Notable past recipients include Mikhail Kalashnikov (designer of the AK-47), author Sergey Mikhalkov, Mikhail Gorbachev (last leader of the Soviet Union), and Patriarch Alexy II and Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church.
• Foreign leaders honoured include Chinese President Xi Jinping and former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Significance the award:

• The award reflects current geopolitical relations between Russia and India, emphasising mutual cooperation and diplomatic achievements.
• It highlights the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering international alliances and recognition.
• The award underscores India's role in strengthening bilateral ties and acknowledges his contributions to the Russo-Indian relationship.

For detailed study on India Russia relations and its importance refer:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/russias-importance-for-india#:~:text=Conclusion%3A,relations%20amidst%20changing%20global%20dynamics.

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-russia-ties

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/what-is-order-of-saint-andrew-the-apostle-conferred-upon-pm-modi-9443383/

PRACTICE QUESTION Q) Discuss the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle from Russia in recent years. How does this recognition reflect India's foreign policy strategies and bilateral relations with Russia?