Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Uzbekistan's highest state honor, the Order of 'Oliy Darajali Dostlik,' by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his two-day state visit to Tashkent on August 30. This prestigious recognition marks PM Modi's 36th international award.
The conferment of the award was accompanied by a notable display of personal rapport, as both leaders shared a vehicle while traveling to bilateral engagements. This informal gesture has been dubbed 'car diplomacy,' symbolizing the deepening bond between India and Uzbekistan.
Elevating Bilateral Relations
Following high-level delegation talks, India and Uzbekistan formally elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This significant expansion targets multi-sectoral cooperation, encompassing key areas such as energy, trade, technology, and regional infrastructure development.
Accepting the supreme state order, PM Modi highlighted the cultural resonance of the award's title. He noted its strong alignment with the shared linguistic and diplomatic bonds between the two nations. "Being honoured with Uzbekistan's highest award is a matter of great pride for me," PM Modi stated. "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."
"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."
Strategic Timing and Future Engagements
The strategic talks in Tashkent coincide with important milestone anniversaries for both nations: Uzbekistan's upcoming 35th Independence Day and the 15th anniversary of the India-Uzbekistan strategic framework. This timing underscores the historical depth and future potential of their partnership.
Upon completing his engagements in Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, continuing India's active role in regional diplomacy.