New Delhi/Tashkent : Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Uzbekistan’s highest state honour for foreign leaders, the “Oliy Darajali Do’stlik” Order (Order of Highest Friendship), by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the longstanding friendship and partnership between India and Uzbekistan.
Accepting the prestigious honour, Prime Minister Modi dedicated the accolade to the 1.4 billion people of India, describing it as a symbol of the enduring friendship shared by the two countries and their civilisations.
Prime Minister Modi said the words of appreciation expressed by President Mirziyoyev were not merely a personal recognition, but also a tribute to the centuries-old bonds, shared heritage and civilisational connections between India and Uzbekistan.
He further emphasised that the honour brings with it a greater sense of responsibility for India to work closely with Uzbekistan as partners of the Global South and contribute jointly towards the welfare and betterment of humanity.
The conferment of the “Oliy Darajali Do’stlik” Order comes against the backdrop of strengthening bilateral relations and the recent elevation of the India-Uzbekistan relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The honour reflects both the personal recognition accorded to Prime Minister Modi and the deep-rooted civilisational friendship between India and Uzbekistan, while highlighting the growing strategic importance of the bilateral partnership.