TASHKENT, Aug 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid homage to former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at the Shastri Memorial in Tashkent, where the Indian leader died in 1966 shortly after signing the Tashkent Declaration.
Modi offered floral tributes at the memorial, commemorating Shastri’s enduring contribution to the nation. The Ministry of External Affairs said his iconic slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, continues to inspire generations and described his life as a symbol of simplicity, courage and unwavering commitment to India.
Shastri, India’s second prime minister, died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, hours after signing the historic declaration with Pakistan’s then-president Ayub Khan to formally end the 1965 India-Pakistan war.
During his visit, Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also planted a tree together in the garden of the Presidential Palace. The ceremony brought together India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and Uzbekistan’s “Yashil Makon” environmental initiative.
The MEA said the joint plantation symbolised the two countries’ shared resolve to promote environmental sustainability and build a greener future.
The event followed extensive delegation-level discussions between Modi and Mirziyoyev at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace. The talks covered a broad range of areas, including commerce, investment, innovation, start-ups, digital public infrastructure, UPI, defence, security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, agriculture, education, tourism, space cooperation and people-to-people relations.
A key outcome of the discussions was the decision by India and Uzbekistan to upgrade their existing Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The move is aimed at giving greater momentum to cooperation across political, economic, technological and strategic sectors.
The two countries also set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030. They agreed to organise a Business Summit to encourage greater interaction between businesses and strengthen investment and commercial ties.
In another significant development, Mirziyoyev conferred Uzbekistan’s highest honour for foreign leaders, the “Oliy Darajali Do’stlik” Order, on Modi. The award recognised the Indian prime minister’s contribution to strengthening friendship and cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.
Earlier on Sunday, Modi participated in a yoga session organised by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan, highlighting the cultural and people-to-people links between the two nations.
The prime minister had arrived in Tashkent on Saturday for a two-day state visit. He was received at the airport by President Mirziyoyev, who welcomed him personally.
Following his arrival, Modi visited Yangi Uzbekistan Park and joined Mirziyoyev in paying respects at the Independence Monument by laying a wreath.
The Indian prime minister also interacted with members of the Indian community during a meeting at a hotel in Tashkent.
The visit marks the first leg of Modi’s two nation tour. He is scheduled to travel to Kyrgyzstan on August 31 for the next phase of his trip and will participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit before concluding his visit on September 1.
The developments in Tashkent underline India’s efforts to expand its engagement with Central Asia, with greater emphasis on economic cooperation, connectivity, technology, security and sustainable development.