Uzbekistan Confers Top State Honour On PM Modi

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred Uzbekistan's highest honour for foreign leaders, the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in recognition of his contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.

Modi dedicated the honour to the enduring friendship between India and Uzbekistan, describing it as a symbol of the centuries-old bond and shared heritage between the two civilisations.

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“Honoured to receive the Oliy Darajali Do'stlik Order. I dedicate this to the enduring bond between India and Uzbekistan,” Modi said in a social media post.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the award recognised Modi's“contribution in strengthening the friendship between the two countries”. It said the prime minister dedicated the accolade to the 1.4 billion people of India and highlighted the enduring friendship between the two civilisations.

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Speaking after receiving the honour, Modi said it was a matter of great pride and humility for him.

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He noted that Indians are familiar with the word 'Dostlik', which means friendship, saying the word itself captures the sentiment at the heart of India-Uzbekistan relations.

“On behalf of all Indians, I sincerely thank the people of Uzbekistan, the government, and my dear friend, the President. I accept this highest honour with utmost humility and dedicate it to the centuries-old friendship between our two countries and our shared heritage,” he said.

The Uzbek honour adds to a list of top state and civilian awards conferred on Modi by several countries for his leadership and contribution to bilateral relations.

In July, Indonesia conferred its highest civilian award, the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia', on Modi in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.

In June, Seychelles conferred its highest national honour, the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', on him for his leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Earlier this year, Israel conferred the 'Medal of the Knesset' on Modi, making him its first recipient. Russia had conferred its highest state decoration, the 'Order of St. Andrew the Apostle', on him in 2024 for his contribution to deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The United States had also awarded Modi the 'Legion of Merit' in 2020 for his leadership in strengthening the India-US strategic partnership.

Modi is on a two-day visit to Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas including trade, clean energy and connectivity.

On Sunday, Modi held talks with Mirziyoyev, following which India and Uzbekistan agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two countries also set a target of USD 5 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and agreed to expand cooperation in trade and investment, digital public infrastructure, defence, healthcare, critical minerals, agriculture, education and tourism.

Modi will travel from Tashkent to Kyrgyzstan to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, scheduled for August 31 and September 1.

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