JAMMU, Aug 31: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv. Devraj Sharma today expressed pride over the growing international recognition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the honours being conferred upon him by countries across the world reflect the rising stature, influence and credibility of India on the global stage.
Reacting to the latest honour conferred upon Prime Minister Modi by Uzbekistan, Sharma said that the “Oliy Darajali Do’stlik” Order, Uzbekistan’s highest honour for foreign leaders, was presented to Modi by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on August 30 in recognition of his contribution to strengthening friendship and relations between the two countries.
Sharma said the honour was not merely a personal recognition of Prime Minister Modi but also a matter of immense pride for the 1.4 billion people of India. He noted that Prime Minister Modi himself dedicated the award to the enduring friendship between India and Uzbekistan and to the people of India.
He said that the repeated conferment of prestigious national and state honours upon the Indian Prime Minister by different countries demonstrates the growing respect for India’s leadership, diplomatic outreach and constructive engagement with the international community. According to recent reports, the Uzbekistan honour has taken the number of international honours received by PM Modi to 35.
“It is a proud moment for every Indian that the Prime Minister of our country is being honoured by nations across continents. These recognitions have enhanced India’s prestige and demonstrate that the world increasingly looks towards India as an important and responsible global partner,” Sharma said.
He added that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s foreign policy has increasingly focused on strengthening strategic partnerships, expanding economic and technological cooperation and giving greater voice to India’s interests while maintaining constructive relations with countries across the world.
Sharma particularly highlighted the deepening India-Uzbekistan relationship, saying that the latest honour comes at a significant time as the two countries have agreed to elevate their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expand cooperation in areas including trade, investment, digital infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education, tourism and critical minerals.
The BJP leader said that India’s growing global recognition should inspire every citizen to contribute towards nation-building. He maintained that international respect ultimately rests on the country’s economic strength, technological capabilities, democratic institutions, cultural influence and the confidence of its people.
“The world is recognising a confident, capable and aspirational India. The respect being accorded to Prime Minister Modi is, in a larger sense, recognition of India’s journey and the aspirations of its people. It is our collective responsibility to strengthen this momentum and work for a developed, prosperous and self-reliant Bharat,” Sharma said.
He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the latest honour and expressed hope that India’s engagement with the international community would continue to open new avenues for cooperation, investment, technology, employment and opportunities for the country’s youth.“The growing global stature of India is something every citizen should feel proud of. This is the new India—confident in its identity, ambitious about its future and respected by the world,” Sharma added.