CityLightBuzz: Tashkent, Uzbekistan — In a proud and historic moment that reflects India’s growing stature on the global stage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Uzbekistan’s highest state honour, the Order of “Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik”. The prestigious award was presented by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during PM Modi’s pivotal two-day state visit to the Central Asian nation.
This remarkable recognition stands as a testament to PM Modi’s visionary leadership and his relentless pursuit of global peace, development, and progress. Notably, this marks the 36th international honour bestowed upon the Prime Minister, further solidifying India’s leadership and diplomatic influence worldwide.The Significance of “Do‘stlik”
The name of the award, “Do‘stlik,” translates to friendship—a word that strongly resonates with Indians and beautifully captures the core sentiment underlying the relationship between the two nations.
Accepting the award with deep humility, PM Modi stated that the honour does not belong to just one individual, but to the 1.4 billion citizens of India. He dedicated the recognition to the centuries-old friendship and the shared cultural heritage that binds India and Uzbekistan.
“I accept this highest honour with utmost humility and humbly dedicate it to the centuries-old friendship and our shared heritage between both nations,” PM Modi remarked, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to President Mirziyoyev.
Elevating Bilateral Ties
Beyond the ceremonial pride, the visit yielded highly significant diplomatic outcomes. PM Modi and President Mirziyoyev held delegation-level talks at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace, agreeing to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Key highlights from the bilateral discussions include:
Economic and Digital Growth: Commitments to expand cooperation across vital sectors, including trade, investment, artificial intelligence, and digital connectivity.Energy Security: A crucial agreement for the long-term supply of uranium to India, bolstering the nation’s energy needs.Strategic Coordination: The establishment of a Coordination Council at the foreign minister level to effectively guide and implement broader strategic goals. The two leaders also emphasized their shared developmental visions, aligning India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) with ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’ (New Uzbekistan).
A United Voice for the Global SouthReaffirming India’s commitment to global welfare, PM Modi emphasized that India and Uzbekistan will work together as a united voice for the Global South. “We will spare no effort in our endeavours for the welfare of the Global South, and we will also make every effort to fulfil our mission for the welfare of all humanity,” he assured.The honour, combined with the successful diplomatic agreements, marks a new, golden chapter in India-Uzbekistan relations. For the 140 crore Indians back home, it is a moment to celebrate India’s enduring friendships and its undeniable rise as a global powerhouse.
