Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Uzbekistan's highest state honour, the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on Sunday, during Modi's two-day state visit to the country. The honour was in recognition of Modi's contribution to strengthening bilateral ties between India and Uzbekistan, as reported by ANI and Lokmat Times.

Indian politicians across party lines, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, welcomed the move, describing it as a "matter of pride for every Indian," according to Lokmat Times.

Political reactions in India

BJP leader Narottam Mishra said the honour was not just a matter of pride for the BJP but for every citizen of the country. "This is a matter of pride for every Indian citizen, not just for the Bharatiya Janata Party. Modi ji is a world leader and the Prime Minister of India, who has been honoured by many countries around the world. We are all proud of him," Mishra said.

BJP MLA Gopal Bhargava described the honour as a recognition of the entire country. "This is a matter of pride for us that the Prime Minister has received this honour. It is not just for the Prime Minister, but an honour for all the people of the country, for all Indians," he said.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC called the honour a "world salute to Bharat." She said, "This is not just an award; it is a world salute to Bharat. Congratulations to Prime Minister Modi and 140 crore Indians. Our party, Shiv Sena, clearly believes that when you receive this kind of highest order of friendship, it is a salute to all those Indians who believe in the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister to strengthen civilizational ties and bonds with Central Asia."

Bihar Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said, "All the countries in the world are influenced by the foreign policy of respected Narendra Modi ji. Wherever Modi ji goes, he is welcomed in every country. This increases the pride of the country."

BJP leader Navnit Ravi Rana praised Modi after the conferment, saying the Prime Minister's global contributions deserve even greater recognition. Speaking to ANI in Pune, Rana said the growing list of international honours conferred on Modi should not come as a surprise, given his role and contribution on the global stage. "If every single country in the world were to present an award to PM Modi, no one should be surprised or find it unexpected, because he deserves far more than that," Rana said. Highlighting what he described as Modi's role as a global first responder during crises, he added, "PM Modi acts not only for our own country; he is the first to reach the scene, wherever and whoever a crisis arises in the world."

Modi's response

Modi thanked President Mirziyoyev, whom he called his "brother," for the recognition and said that India and Uzbekistan would work together for the welfare of the Global South and humanity. Reflecting on the honour, Modi said the President's words captured India's heritage, its spirit of universal brotherhood, and the efforts of its 4 billion people.

"The words you just used for me and the generosity you expressed--I believe you have captured in very few words India's thousands-of-years-old heritage, the identity of an India that lives by the spirit of universal brotherhood (Vishwa Bandhutva), and the enterprise of 4 billion fellow citizens," he said.

"I may only be a medium for all your words, but the true recipients are my thousands-of-years-old heritage, and the perseverance and hard work of 4 billion countrymen- they are the true deserving bearers of this honour," Modi added.

Calling the award a moment of "immense pride," Modi highlighted the significance of the word "Dostlik," meaning friendship, saying it reflected the core sentiment of India-Uzbekistan relations. He addressed President Mirziyoyev as his friend and expressed gratitude for the warmth extended to him and his delegation during the state visit. "My friend, the father of the economic revolution in Uzbekistan, who has served as a role model across this entire region in scaling new heights of development--this two-day visit of mine will always be remembered," Modi said.

Context of the honour

According to Lokmat Times, this honour added to a growing list of international awards received by PM Modi, who has received over 30 prestigious honours, making him the most internationally decorated Indian leader in history. The report also noted that in July, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto conferred the country's highest honour, the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia', upon Modi.