All you need to know about 'Order of St. Andrew the Apostle' awarded to PM Narendra Modi by Russia

Russia on Friday awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest order of the Russian Federation, an order of chivalry called the 'St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called'.

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Modi was given this award for his 'exceptional services in promoting special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India', said the tweet by Russian Embassy in India.

When was it established?

The Order of St Andrew the Apostle was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, in honor of Saint Andres, the first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia.

But it was abolished under the USSR before it was re-established at the highest Russian order in 1998.

What is the criteria?

This order is awarded to prominent statesmen and public figures, eminent representatives of science, culture, the arts and various industries for exceptional services, for promoting the prosperity, grandeur and glory of Russia. 

It is also awarded to foreign heads of states for outstanding service to the Russian Federation. 

What does the badge signify?

The insignia has:

A badge (double-headed eagle) attached to a chain (called a "collar") worn around the neck for very special circumstances, or more commonly on a 100mm-wide blue sash worn over the right shoulder and a star worn on the left breast.

The crossed swords are added below the crown above the two eagles' heads. On the reverse of the eagle on a white ribbon is the motto of the Order inscribed in gold letters «За веру и верность» («For faith and loyalty»).

Who has received this earlier?

In July 2017, President of Russia Vladimir Putin presented the Order of St Andrew the Apostle to President of China Xi Jinping. The ceremony was held in the St Andrew Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

Apart from him, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev and others were too awarded with this honour.