Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday (August 30) conferred Uzbekistan’s highest state honour, the Order of “Oliy Darajali Dustlik”, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his two-day state visit to the Central Asian nation. The prestigious award was presented to PM Modi in Tashkent in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and deepening bilateral relations.&nbsp;Following the honour, PM Modi dedicated the award to the enduring friendship and close ties between India and Uzbekistan, describing it as a recognition of the strong bond shared by the two nations. The conferment took place as the two leaders held delegation-level talks focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across a range of strategic and economic areas. Their discussions covered trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy, with both sides exploring new avenues to further strengthen the partnership.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-talks-with-uzbekistan-president-mirziyoyev-in-tashkent-says-elevating-our-ties-to-strategic-partnership-1788079070867">PM Modi holds talks with Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, says 'elevating our ties to strategic partnership'</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tashkent, Uzbekistan: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a hug after PM Modi was conferred the Order of “Oliy Darajali Dustlik,” Uzbekistan’s supreme state award. (Source: ANI/DD) <a href="https://t.co/d97ejTVZHV">https://t.co/d97ejTVZHV</a> <a href="https://t.co/il1AzzppWs">pic.twitter.com/il1AzzppWs</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2093991107961217156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

PM Modi and President Mirziyoyev also discussed their shared developmental priorities and ways to advance the visions of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Yangi Uzbekistan'. The two leaders emphasised economic growth, modernisation and development as key areas of cooperation.&nbsp;The honour marked a significant milestone during PM Modi’s visit and added further diplomatic significance to the expanding relationship between New Delhi and Tashkent. The two-day state visit is aimed at deepening India-Uzbekistan ties, strengthening existing areas of cooperation and identifying new opportunities for collaboration as India continues to expand its strategic engagement with Central Asia.&nbsp;During the talks Modi said, "It felt as though you had brought India itself to life here, as if you had awakened the spirit of my own Gujarat right here," he told the Uzbek President during the talks. "Moreover, you adorned the entire city in the colours of the Indian tricolour. That, too, was truly touching. All of this demonstrates just how close India is to your heart."

PM Modi receives Uzbekistan’s highest honour, 'Oliy Darajali Dustlik', as India-Uzbekistan ties deepen through trade, defence, energy and digital cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday (August 30) conferred Uzbekistan’s highest state honour, the Order of “Oliy Darajali Dustlik”, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his two-day state visit to the Central Asian nation. The prestigious award was presented to PM Modi in Tashkent in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and deepening bilateral relations. Following the honour, PM Modi dedicated the award to the enduring friendship and close ties between India and Uzbekistan, describing it as a recognition of the strong bond shared by the two nations. The conferment took place as the two leaders held delegation-level talks focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across a range of strategic and economic areas. Their discussions covered trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy, with both sides exploring new avenues to further strengthen the partnership. Also Read: PM Modi holds talks with Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, says 'elevating our ties to strategic partnership' Watch the video here

PM Modi receives Uzbekistan’s highest state honour, ‘Oliy Darajali Dustlik’, as India and Uzbekistan seek to deepen strategic and economic ties

Order of 'Oliy Darajali Dustlik': PM Modi conferred with Uzbekistan's highest state of honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Sunday at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent, with the two sides discussing ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, and Secretary (West) Sibi George, along with other senior diplomats and officials from both countries.&nbsp;During the talks, Modi and Mirziyoyev reviewed cooperation across several key areas, including trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. The discussions focused on expanding existing areas of cooperation while identifying new opportunities for collaboration. The two leaders also outlined priorities and set the agenda for taking India-Uzbekistan relations forward.&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi also congratulated President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the country’s 35th Independence Day, noting that the occasion coincides with the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Tashkent. Modi also expressed his gratitude to Mirziyoyev for the warm and enthusiastic reception he received upon arriving in Uzbekistan. "It felt as though you had brought India itself to life here, as if you had awakened the spirit of my own Gujarat right here," he told the Uzbek President during the talks. "Moreover, you adorned the entire city in the colours of the Indian tricolour. That, too, was truly touching. All of this demonstrates just how close India is to your heart."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pm-modi-participates-in-yoga-session-during-visit-to-uzbekistan-1788072955004">WATCH | PM Modi participates in yoga session during visit to Uzbekistan</a>&nbsp;The Prime Minister said the two sides had a productive discussion over dinner and taken several important decisions. He said, "We had a productive discussion over dinner last night and took several important decisions. Our teams are also aligned on these matters. We will establish a Coordination Council at the Foreign Minister level to provide direction to all aspects of our cooperation through close coordination."&nbsp;He added, “We will elevate our Joint Commission from the Secretary level to the Ministerial level. Both sides will jointly organise a business summit featuring business leaders from both nations. We will also establish a long-term arrangement for the supply of uranium.” Highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries, he said, "Today, we are formalising three sister-city and sister-state arrangements. We should create a roadmap to fully realise their potential."&nbsp;Referring to major urban development projects in both countries, he said, "Mega-projects like 'New Tashkent' are underway in your country, while in India, we have developed GIFT City in Gujarat. We would be delighted to welcome a delegation from your country to study best practices and the use of technology in these developments."

PM Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discuss stronger strategic ties, trade, defence, uranium supplies, digital connectivity and investment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Sunday at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent, with the two sides discussing ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, and Secretary (West) Sibi George, along with other senior diplomats and officials from both countries. During the talks, Modi and Mirziyoyev reviewed cooperation across several key areas, including trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. The discussions focused on expanding existing areas of cooperation while identifying new opportunities for collaboration. The two leaders also outlined priorities and set the agenda for taking India-Uzbekistan relations forward. PM Narendra Modi also congratulated President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the country’s 35th Independence Day, noting that the occasion coincides with the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Tashkent. Modi also expressed his gratitude to Mirziyoyev for the warm and enthusiastic reception he received upon arriving in Uzbekistan. "It felt as though you had brought India itself to life here, as if you had awakened the spirit of my own Gujarat right here," he told the Uzbek President during the talks. "Moreover, you adorned the entire city in the colours of the Indian tricolour. That, too, was truly touching. All of this demonstrates just how close India is to your heart." Also Read: WATCH | PM Modi participates in yoga session during visit to Uzbekistan The Prime Minister said the two sides had a productive discussion over dinner and taken several important decisions. He said, "We had a productive discussion over dinner last night and took several important decisions. Our teams are also aligned on these matters. We will establish a Coordination Council at the Foreign Minister level to provide direction to all aspects of our cooperation through close coordination." He added, “We will elevate our Joint Commission from the Secretary level to the Ministerial level. Both sides will jointly organise a business summit featuring business leaders from both nations. We will also establish a long-term arrangement for the supply of uranium.” Highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries, he said, "Today, we are formalising three sister-city and sister-state arrangements. We should create a roadmap to fully realise their potential." Referring to major urban development projects in both countries, he said, "Mega-projects like 'New Tashkent' are underway in your country, while in India, we have developed GIFT City in Gujarat. We would be delighted to welcome a delegation from your country to study best practices and the use of technology in these developments."

PM Modi and Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev deepen strategic ties, announcing new cooperation in trade, defence, uranium and urban development

PM Modi holds talks with Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, says 'elevating our ties to strategic partnership'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a yoga session organised by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Sunday (August 30) as part of his two-day state visit to Uzbekistan. PM Modi walked around the venue and interacted with participants as they took part in the yoga programme. He also joined the participants for a group photograph at the conclusion of the session. The yoga event came a day after PM Modi received a warm welcome from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev after arriving in Tashkent on Saturday. The two leaders travelled together from the airport to the presidential palace and later held a dinner meeting.&nbsp;"Landed in Tashkent to a warm welcome by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Grateful to him for the special gesture. This is my fourth visit to Uzbekistan, reflecting the depth and growing momentum of our bilateral relations," said the PM as he landed in Uzbekistan on Saturday. PM Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev later on Sunday. The discussions are expected to cover key areas including trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-uzbekistan-put-infrastructure-at-centre-of-modi-mirziyoyev-talks-1788070605582">India and Uzbekistan put infrastructure at centre of Modi-Mirziyoyev talks</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Uzbekistan loves Yoga! <a href="https://t.co/1AtlHCN0kF">pic.twitter.com/1AtlHCN0kF</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2093943755804209560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan since becoming prime minister. His previous visits took place in 2015, 2016 and 2022. Following his Uzbekistan visit, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Bishkek to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. Participants at the yoga session welcomed the programme and highlighted its potential to strengthen ties between India and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;Kristina, a resident of Tashkent, described the event as a memorable experience and expressed hope that yoga would contribute to closer relations between the two countries. Speaking to news agency ANI, Kristina said, “It was a great experience, especially with such a great person who came to Uzbekistan. It was really a great experience. I think it (Yoga) will take the relationship to a new level. It will bring the two countries closer and strengthen the friendship.” Another Tashkent resident, Mariam, also expressed happiness at being part of the programme and said she felt happy after participating in the event.

PM Modi attends a yoga session in Tashkent during his Uzbekistan visit as India and Uzbekistan discuss trade, defence, energy and stronger bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a yoga session organised by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Sunday (August 30) as part of his two-day state visit to Uzbekistan. PM Modi walked around the venue and interacted with participants as they took part in the yoga programme. He also joined the participants for a group photograph at the conclusion of the session. The yoga event came a day after PM Modi received a warm welcome from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev after arriving in Tashkent on Saturday. The two leaders travelled together from the airport to the presidential palace and later held a dinner meeting. "Landed in Tashkent to a warm welcome by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Grateful to him for the special gesture. This is my fourth visit to Uzbekistan, reflecting the depth and growing momentum of our bilateral relations," said the PM as he landed in Uzbekistan on Saturday. PM Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev later on Sunday. The discussions are expected to cover key areas including trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. Also Read: India and Uzbekistan put infrastructure at centre of Modi-Mirziyoyev talks Watch the video here

PM Modi joins a yoga session in Tashkent during his Uzbekistan visit, highlighting cultural ties as India and Uzbekistan seek to deepen bilateral relations

WATCH | PM Modi participates in yoga session during visit to Uzbekistan

Infrastructure, trade and investment are expected to dominate the agenda as PM Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev hold talks in Tashkent. Indian officials say New Delhi wants to convert existing political goodwill into concrete commercial opportunities, including construction and infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan. Sources familiar with the preparations said Indian firms would be well placed to bid for work as Tashkent modernises roads, energy networks, digital systems and urban facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Larsen &amp; Toubro, already active in the country on power transmission and other engineering contracts, is widely regarded locally as one of India’s most established infrastructure players. PM Modi arrived on Saturday and was received at the airport by &nbsp;Mirziyoyev, an unusual personal welcome that is seen as a mark of the closeness of the relationship. The two leaders later visited Yangi Uzbekistan Park, where Modi laid a wreath at the Independence Monument. A dinner hosted by the Uzbek president followed. Sunday’s formal talks are the centerpiece of the two-day state visit, Modi’s fourth to Uzbekistan.&nbsp;In a departure statement issued in New Delhi, the Indian prime minister said the strategic partnership had seen significant advancement in recent years. He said he looked forward to discussions on trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy, and on aligning India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 programme with Uzbekistan’s development plans through 2030. He is also due to visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. Bilateral trade remains modest by the standards of both economies, estimates put it at around $1-1.5 billion, but both sides have spoken of roughly doubling that figure over the next few years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indian investment is already present in construction, renewables, pharmaceuticals, mining, IT and healthcare. Officials on both sides have identified critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, logistics and digital public infrastructure as areas for expansion. From Tashkent, Modi will fly to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit on August 31 and September 1. The meeting marks 25 years of the grouping, which India joined as a full member in 2017.&nbsp;&nbsp;India’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Birender Singh Yadav, said that the visit would give 'fresh direction' to ties with Bishkek, pointing to expanded defence cooperation, counter-terrorism training and joint exercises. The tour reflects New Delhi’s effort to treat Central Asia as part of its extended neighbourhood, seeking energy and minerals, alternative trade routes that avoid Pakistan, and a stronger voice in a region where China and Russia remain dominant.

Indian officials say New Delhi wants to convert existing political goodwill into concrete commercial opportunities, including construction and infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan

Infrastructure, trade and investment are expected to dominate the agenda as PM Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev hold talks in Tashkent. Indian officials say New Delhi wants to convert existing political goodwill into concrete commercial opportunities, including construction and infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan. Sources familiar with the preparations said Indian firms would be well placed to bid for work as Tashkent modernises roads, energy networks, digital systems and urban facilities. Larsen & Toubro, already active in the country on power transmission and other engineering contracts, is widely regarded locally as one of India’s most established infrastructure players. PM Modi arrived on Saturday and was received at the airport by Mirziyoyev, an unusual personal welcome that is seen as a mark of the closeness of the relationship. The two leaders later visited Yangi Uzbekistan Park, where Modi laid a wreath at the Independence Monument. A dinner hosted by the Uzbek president followed. Sunday’s formal talks are the centerpiece of the two-day state visit, Modi’s fourth to Uzbekistan. In a departure statement issued in New Delhi, the Indian prime minister said the strategic partnership had seen significant advancement in recent years. He said he looked forward to discussions on trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy, and on aligning India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 programme with Uzbekistan’s development plans through 2030. He is also due to visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. Bilateral trade remains modest by the standards of both economies, estimates put it at around $1-1.5 billion, but both sides have spoken of roughly doubling that figure over the next few years. Indian investment is already present in construction, renewables, pharmaceuticals, mining, IT and healthcare. Officials on both sides have identified critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, logistics and digital public infrastructure as areas for expansion. From Tashkent, Modi will fly to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit on August 31 and September 1. The meeting marks 25 years of the grouping, which India joined as a full member in 2017. India’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Birender Singh Yadav, said that the visit would give 'fresh direction' to ties with Bishkek, pointing to expanded defence cooperation, counter-terrorism training and joint exercises. The tour reflects New Delhi’s effort to treat Central Asia as part of its extended neighbourhood, seeking energy and minerals, alternative trade routes that avoid Pakistan, and a stronger voice in a region where China and Russia remain dominant.

&nbsp;Indian officials say New Delhi wants to convert existing political goodwill into concrete commercial opportunities, including construction and infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan

India and Uzbekistan put infrastructure at centre of Modi-Mirziyoyev talks