New Delhi (India) August 30: During PM Modi's two-day state trip to the Central Asian nation, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev bestowed on him the Order of "Oliy Darajali Dustlik," the nation's top state award. The two nations are working to enhance their ties, and PM Modi received the award to acknowledge his contributions in expanding India-Uzbekistan strategic cooperation.
Modi Dedicated Award To Friendship
PM Modi cited the significance of the Indian-Uzbekistan bond, calling the state award a recognition of their long-standing friendly and close relationship, and added that he dedicated the prize to that relationship.
Modi said, "Honoured to receive the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order. I dedicate this to the enduring bond between India and Uzbekistan.”
"On behalf of all Indians, I sincerely thank the people of Uzbekistan, the government, and my dear friend, the President. I accept this highest honour with utmost humility and dedicate it to the centuries-old friendship between our two countries and our shared heritage," he added.
Long-Term Uranium Supply Deal
The Indian PM declared today that Uzbekistan will sign an agreement for long-term uranium supplies with India. PM Modi called this a significant victory for India's nuclear energy plans and stated that this will aid the long-term security of the nations.
Apart from this pact, both countries have agreed to bolster ties with a view to explore possibilities in co-production and development of platforms in different domains of defense as well. They also want to extend cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, space exploration and the AI development sector.
“This year marks the 15th anniversary of our Strategic Partnership. On this special occasion, we have decided to elevate our relationship to the status of a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’. Today, we have outlined an ambitious agenda to advance this new phase of our partnership with rapid momentum and concrete results,” Modi said.
Trade Target Set For 2030
The two countries also aim to significantly increase the economic and trade relations to reach five folds of growth of $5 billion by the year 2030.
He said, “Our bilateral trade has crossed the one-billion-dollar mark. We have now set a target of five billion dollars in trade by 2030. To achieve this, we will systematically address issues related to market access, connectivity, banking, and payment systems. We will work together to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in infrastructure development. Collaboration in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, AI, critical minerals, clean energy, space, and nuclear energy is making our relationship future-ready.”