PM Modi Conferred Uzbekistan’s Highest State Honour by President Mirziyoyev

“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.

By Hitanshi Kothari

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday received Uzbekistan’s highest state honour, the ‘Oliy Darajali Do’stlik’ Order, from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his two-day visit to the country. Modi dedicated the award to the “enduring” friendship and historic ties between India and Uzbekistan.

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

The prime minister was conferred with the prestigious honour by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

“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.

In his remarks, Modi said receiving Uzbekistan’s highest state honour was a matter of “great pride” for him.

He said people in India are familiar with the word used in the name of the award, ‘Dostlik’.

“There is hardly a family in India where the word 'Dostlik' is not spoken a hundred times a day. Today, you have truly brought out the essence of it. 'Dostlik' means friendship. The word itself beautifully expresses the sentiment at the heart of the relationship between India and Uzbekistan,” he said.

Modi said the honour was not a personal recognition but an honour for 1.4 billion Indians.

“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.

India and Uzbekistan elevate ties

Earlier, Modi held talks with Mirziyoyev, following which India and Uzbekistan decided to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The prime minister is scheduled to travel to Kyrgyzstan from Tashkent to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, which will be held on August 31 and September 1.