Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred with Uzbekistan’s highest honour, the ‘Oliy Darajali Do’stlik’ Order, during his visit to Tashkent. Accepting the award, Modi dedicated the recognition to India’s centuries-old heritage, its people and the long-standing friendship between India and Uzbekistan.
He thanked Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation during the two-day visit.
PM Modi said the two days of his visit would always remain memorable. He thanked the Uzbek President for making his delegation feel welcome and giving them a sense of belonging.
Referring to the words used while conferring the honour, PM Modi said they reflected the identity of India, its thousands of years of heritage and the hard work of its 1.4 billion people.
“I may be the medium for all your words, but the true recipients of this recognition are India’s thousands of years of heritage and the hard work and dedication of 1.4 billion Indians," Modi said.
Calling the award a proud moment, he also highlighted the meaning of the word “Dostlik".
“There is hardly any family in India that does not say the word ‘Dostlik’ a hundred times a day. Today, you have revealed the true identity of Dostlik. Dostlik means friendship," he said.
PM Modi said the word reflected the relationship between India and Uzbekistan.
He added that the honour was not for one individual but for 1.4 billion Indians, and expressed gratitude to the people and government of Uzbekistan and President Mirziyoyev.
PM Modi accepted the honour and dedicated it to the centuries-old friendship and shared heritage of the two countries. He said an award brings pride and honour but also carries responsibility.
“As I accept this award, I realise that responsibility," Modi said, assuring the people of Uzbekistan that India would not step back from its responsibilities and would continue to uphold the friendship between the two countries.
He also said India and Uzbekistan would work together to become a united voice of the Global South.
PM Modi said the two countries would make every effort for the welfare of the Global South and to fulfil their mission for the welfare of humanity.
The honour came as India and Uzbekistan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on Sunday.
During Modi’s two-day state visit to Tashkent, the two countries also agreed to establish a long-term arrangement for uranium supplies to India.
The uranium agreement gives a major nuclear-energy dimension to the visit.
The arrangement was announced as Modi held delegation-level talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent.
The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in several areas, including trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy.
Source: News18