Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Uzbekistan’s prestigious ‘Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik’ Order, the country’s highest state honour, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his state visit to Tashkent on Sunday. The award recognises Modi’s contribution to strengthening the historic friendship and strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan.
The honour was presented at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace as the two leaders held high-level discussions aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation. Uzbekistan’s presidential decree cited Modi’s role in deepening political, trade, economic and investment ties, as well as promoting cultural and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries.
Accepting the award, Modi described the recognition as a matter of great pride and dedicated it to the enduring friendship between the people of India and Uzbekistan. He also highlighted the significance of the word “Dostlik,” which means friendship, saying that the name of the award itself reflects the foundation of the relationship between the two nations.
Modi said the honour should be viewed not merely as a personal recognition but as a tribute to the people of India and the longstanding ties shared by the two countries. He expressed gratitude to President Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan for the distinction.
The award comes as India and Uzbekistan move to deepen their relationship across several strategic sectors. During Modi’s visit, the two countries agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signalling a broader phase of cooperation in areas including trade, energy, technology, connectivity and investment.
The two sides have also set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030, while discussions during the visit included a long-term uranium supply arrangement and other initiatives aimed at strengthening economic and strategic cooperation.
The recognition of Prime Minister Modi therefore comes at a significant moment in India-Uzbekistan relations. With both countries seeking to expand cooperation and build stronger economic and strategic links, the ‘Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik’ award serves as a symbol of the growing partnership between India and Uzbekistan.
