Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia for a two-day trip, where he was awarded the Order of St. Andrew and held meetings with President Vladimir Putin. During the visit, Modi highlighted the need for peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and expressed his pain over the loss of innocent lives, specifically children. He also interacted with the Indian community in Moscow and announced the opening of Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. The leaders reaffirmed their close friendship and partnership between India and Russia.
Order of St. Andrew the Apostle: India's Highest Russian Honor
The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle is the highest state honor bestowed by the Russian Federation. It was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great to recognize exceptional service to the Russian people.
Prime Minister Modi's Honor
On December 6, 2016, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian leader to receive the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. The honor was conferred upon Modi by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a two-day trip to Russia.
Modi's award was in recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Russia ties, promote international cooperation, and contribute to global peace and stability.
Background and Significance
The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle has a long and distinguished history. It was initially awarded only to the highest-ranking military officers and government officials. Over time, it was extended to include scientists, artists, and other individuals who have made significant contributions to Russian society.
For India, the award is a testament to the close and enduring relationship between the two countries. It reflects not only Modi's personal contributions but also the shared values and interests that have guided India-Russia relations for decades.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle? A1: The Order is the highest state honor bestowed by the Russian Federation and is awarded for exceptional service to the Russian people.
Q2: Why was Prime Minister Modi awarded the Order? A2: Modi received the award in recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Russia ties, promote international cooperation, and contribute to global peace and stability.
Q3: What is the history of the Order? A3: The Order was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great and was initially awarded only to the highest-ranking military officers and government officials.
Q4: Has any other Indian received the Order before Modi? A4: No, Prime Minister Modi is the first Indian leader to receive the Order.
Q5: What does the Order's significance for India-Russia relations? A5: The award reflects the close and enduring relationship between the two countries and the shared values and interests that have guided their relationship for decades.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chilean President Gabriel Boric at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the already "strong" bilateral ties between the two countries. President Boric also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, emphasizing the shared fundamental values between India and Chile. This is President Boric's first visit to India since taking office and he is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, media, and prominent Chileans.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric is set to begin a five-day state visit to India on Tuesday, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit will focus on reviewing bilateral ties and discussing international issues of mutual interest, with meetings scheduled between Boric and Modi, as well as President Droupadi Murmu. Additionally, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will launch a portal providing comprehensive data on socio-economic and fiscal parameters of Indian states, while the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea challenging the validity of a provision of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has announced her plans to visit India and meet the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) team during her trip. Williams, who has Indian roots, shared her excitement about returning to her father's home country and expressed admiration for India's beauty from space. She also mentioned her interest in the upcoming ISRO mission and its Indian astronauts.
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus recently visited China and urged Beijing to extend its economic influence to the country, mentioning that India's northeastern states being landlocked could be seen as an opportunity. The remark, made during Yunus' trip, has sparked controversy on social media. Yunus also called Bangladesh the only guardian of the ocean in the region, and stated that this could be a huge opportunity for China to extend its economy.
During an Eid al-Fitr prayer speech, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan used strong language, calling for the destruction of Israel. He also referred to Allah as "al-Qahhar" and wished for mercy upon martyrs and a speedy recovery for veterans. In his nationwide holiday message, Erdogan criticized the ongoing violence in Gaza and called for action from Western countries. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded to Erdogan's statements, condemning him as antisemitic and dangerous to the region and his own people.
Inspector Rakesh Tripathi and his team were met with hostility from villagers during a motorcycle recovery operation in Telenga village, Odisha. The suspects managed to escape, prompting an intensified manhunt from authorities. The incident illustrates ongoing tensions within local communities and the need for cooperation to ensure justice is served.
The Arab countries of UAE and Saudi Arabia have officially declared the start of Eid-ul-Fitr today, concluding the holy month of Ramadan. In India, Eid is likely to be celebrated tomorrow, with the exact date depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. As families and friends come together to celebrate, here are some WhatsApp messages to share with loved ones.
After a month of fasting during Ramadan, the crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, signaling the end of the holy month. Muslims living in Gulf countries will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on March 30, 2025 with traditional prayers, charity, gift-giving, feasting, and visiting relatives. More than just a religious holiday, Eid ul Fitr is a celebration of love, gratitude, and family unity that Muslims around the world look forward to every year.
In response to two devastating earthquakes hitting Myanmar, India has launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to send 15 tonnes of relief material. The aid was transported by an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft and includes tents, blankets, food packets, and essential medicines. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered assistance and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar shared visuals of the aid arriving in Yangon. India acted as a “first responder” to assist the people of Myanmar in the aftermath of the natural disaster.
In British Columbia, a young woman's marriage to a member of an India-based "cult group" has been annulled by a judge, who ruled that she did not truly consent to the 2023 wedding. The woman claimed to have been manipulated and overwhelmed by the man and his family's constant advances, which even included bringing a religious gift to her workplace. The ruling sheds light on the often-hidden issue of forced marriages in certain religious communities and the legal recourse available to those who have been coerced into marriage.