The award was presented to Modi by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the Prime Minister’s visit to the Central Asian country.

Thanking Uzbekistan for the honour, Modi wrote on X: "Honoured to receive the ‘Oliy Darajali Do’stlik’ Order. I dedicate this to the enduring bond between India and Uzbekistan."

Accepting the award, Modi dedicated the honour to the 1.4 billion people of India, describing it as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries and their civilisations.

He said the words of appreciation expressed by Mirziyoyev were a tribute to the longstanding friendship between India and Uzbekistan and their shared heritage.

Modi also said the honour carried an added responsibility for India to work closely with Uzbekistan as partners from the Global South for the betterment of humanity.

The ‘Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik’ Order is Uzbekistan’s highest state honour awarded to foreign leaders and recognises contributions towards strengthening bilateral relations and friendship.