Tashkent: In a historic milestone for India–Central Asia diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the prestigious 'Order of Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' (Supreme Order of Friendship)—the highest civilian state honour of Uzbekistan—by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during their bilateral summit at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent. The honour marks the 36th international state decoration conferred upon Prime Minister Modi by foreign governments. Concluding a landmark two-day state visit, both leaders formally upgraded bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of their strategic engagement. For comprehensive analysis on international diplomacy, energy treaties, and multilateral summits, explore our global affairs desk.

Significance of the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Award

President Mirziyoyev bestowed the Supreme Order of Friendship in recognition of Prime Minister Modi's personal leadership and enduring contribution to deepening mutual trust, strategic cooperation, and centuries-old civilizational ties between the two nations.

Dedicating the honour to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the linguistic and emotional resonance of the award:

"Receiving the 'Order of Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' is a matter of immense pride. The word 'Dostlik' signifies pure friendship, which is the foundational soul of India–Uzbekistan ties. I dedicate this honour to the vibrant people of India and the eternal bonds connecting our two great nations."

Bilateral Deliverables: Uranium, Critical Minerals & Tech

The Tashkent summit delivered extensive strategic agreements designed to secure vital supply chains and enhance technological cooperation:

  • Long-Term Uranium Supply Pact: The two nations finalized a landmark bilateral framework ensuring a stable, long-term procurement of uranium to bolster India's civil nuclear energy expansion.
  • Ministerial Coordination Council: A dedicated high-level Coordination Council headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries was instituted to execute economic roadmaps and expedite cross-sector infrastructure projects.
  • Critical Minerals & Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Both administrations agreed on joint exploration ventures in critical mineral processing, artificial intelligence integrations, pharmaceuticals, and the deployment of India's indigenous digital public infrastructure stack in Uzbekistan.

Strategic Connectivity and Geopolitical Alignment

Uzbekistan occupies a pivotal geostrategic position for India's overland connectivity to landlocked Central Asia. Both leaders reviewed the expansion of trade routes via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the operational integration of Iran's Chabahar Port. Furthermore, both countries reaffirmed their joint leadership in voicing the priorities of developing nations across the Global South.

Following the conclusion of bilateral engagements in Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi departed for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.