PM Modi gets Uzbekistan's highest state honour, Order of Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik

On Sunday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Uzbekistan's highest state honor, the Order of Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik, from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This recognition came during Modi's two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, underscoring the deep and enduring ties between the two Central Asian nations. The prestigious award was presented in Tashkent as the leaders engaged in delegation-level talks to enhance cooperation across various sectors.

Last year, Uzbekistan honored Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with the same distinction. Notable recipients of the Order of Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik include Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan's chairman Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, and the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Modi expressed his gratitude to President Mirziyoyev, crediting the Uzbek leader for the honor and vowing that India and Uzbekistan will work together for the welfare of the Global South and humanity.

Modi emphasized that the word "Dostlik," meaning friendship, encapsulates the essence of India-Uzbekistan relations. He dedicated the honor to the 1.4 billion people of India, acknowledging the nation's heritage, spirit of universal brotherhood, and the hard work of its citizens. The Prime Minister also highlighted the steady strengthening of bilateral ties, which have now reached the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.