Russia has conferred its highest civilian award on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a statement announcing the award, the Russian government said, “Narendra Modi was decorated with the Order of St Andrew the Apostle - the highest state decoration of Russia - for exceptional services in promoting special and privileged strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Republic of India and friendly relations between the Russian and Indian peoples.”
The recognition, coming as it does right in the middle of electioneering, is the seventh international award conferred on PM Narendra Modi in the past few years. It was only last week that Modi was conferred the Zayed Medal, the highest decoration by the UAE, in recognition for his “pivotal role” in strengthening relations.
