PM Modi conferred Uzbekistan’s ‘Oliy Darajali Do'stlik’ Order by President Mirziyoyev

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Uzbekistan's highest state honor, the Order of "Oliy Darajali Dustlik", by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. This recognition comes as the two nations aim to enhance their relationship into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with discussions focusing on expanding cooperation in energy, trade, and technology.

Modi, who has received 36 international honors to date, dedicated the award to the friendship between India and Uzbekistan and the Indian people. He noted that "Dostlik," the name of the award, signifies friendship and echoed the sentiment shared by the two countries. Modi emphasized that the honor is not for an individual, but for all 1.4 billion Indians, expressing gratitude on behalf of his fellow citizens to the Uzbek people, government, and President Mirziyoyev.

The visit also marked the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan, occurring shortly before Uzbekistan celebrates its 35th Independence Day anniversary. During his discussions with Mirziyoyev, Modi highlighted the Uzbek government's efforts to identify key sector projects and establish timelines for their implementation, welcoming these initiatives and expressing confidence in rapid progress through collaboration.

The leaders also agreed to elevate the Joint Commission overseeing bilateral cooperation to a Ministerial level and establish a Coordination Council at the foreign minister level. Additionally, Modi announced that India and Uzbekistan would jointly organize a business summit featuring business leaders from both nations.