Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Sunday, 30 August credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with driving India's rapid development and its expanding footprint on the global stage, calling him an 'outstanding statesman' and a 'wise political leader' who commands deep trust and respect. The remarks came as President Mirziyoyev conferred upon PM Modi the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order — Uzbekistan's highest state honour — in Tashkent, recognising his personal contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.

A Historic Elevation in Bilateral Relations

The summit concluded with a landmark outcome: India and Uzbekistan formally elevated their relationship to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. President Mirziyoyev described the development as 'truly historic', directly crediting PM Modi's engagement. 'It is no exaggeration to say that the Prime Minister of India has made an invaluable personal contribution to achieving this important milestone,' he said.

This upgrade marks a significant shift in the diplomatic architecture between the two countries, placing the India-Uzbekistan relationship in the same tier as New Delhi's partnerships with several major powers.

What Mirziyoyev Said

Addressing PM Modi at the ceremony, the Uzbek President spoke warmly of the discussions held over the course of the visit. 'Prime Minister, my dear brother, I thank you for the level of openness and brotherhood. Since yesterday, we have discussed all our directions and historic ties and future plans. These meetings were very productive,' he said.

He further praised India's domestic transformation, attributing it directly to Modi's leadership. 'We know you not only as an outstanding statesman and a wise political leader who enjoys the profound trust and respect of the people of India, but also as a leader of immense international standing. India's rapid development in recent years and its steadily growing influence on the international stage are directly associated with your name and leadership,' Mirziyoyev stated.

Trade Targets: From $1 Billion to $10 Billion

President Mirziyoyev also set an ambitious economic agenda for the partnership. He noted that bilateral trade currently stands at $1 billion, but said that figure should be seen only as a starting point. 'We are aiming for $5 billion as the first benchmark, and I truly believe that in the future we can easily achieve a trade turnover of $10 billion,' he said.

This tenfold ambition signals a deliberate push to convert the upgraded strategic partnership into measurable economic outcomes — a pattern consistent with India's broader Central Asia engagement strategy.

India's Modernisation Praised

Beyond diplomacy and trade, Mirziyoyev lauded India's sectoral achievements, saying Uzbekistan viewed the country's progress 'with great satisfaction.' 'Thanks to your effective strategy and programmes for modernising the country, today's India is making remarkable achievements across all sectors. As true brothers, we always take great pleasure in your outstanding achievements,' he said.

The visit and the conferral of Uzbekistan's highest honour underscore the deepening of India's ties with Central Asia at a moment when New Delhi is actively expanding its strategic partnerships across the region. How quickly the two sides move to operationalise the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will be closely watched.