‘Country Babur came from’: Owaisi takes swipe at BJP after PM Modi gets Uzbekistan’s top state honour

Modi was conferred Uzbekistan’s highest state honour for foreign leaders, the Order of Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik, during his visit to the country on Sunday.

The award recognises his contribution to strengthening India-Uzbekistan relations and the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Reacting to the honour, Owaisi pointed to Babur’s historical links with present-day Uzbekistan and questioned the BJP and the wider Sangh Parivar’s repeated references to the Mughal ruler in Indian political discourse.

"I congratulate the BJP; the very country from which Babur came to India has conferred an award upon the Prime Minister," Owaisi said.

‘Wherever PM goes, he returns with an award’

Owaisi noted that Babur was from the Fergana Valley in present-day Uzbekistan before establishing the Mughal dynasty in India.

He also referred to the series of international honours Modi has received during his foreign visits.

"Wherever the Prime Minister goes these days, he returns with an award. Congratulations," the AIMIM chief said.

Owaisi then turned his attention towards the BJP’s historical and political references to Babur, arguing that Uzbekistan’s decision to honour Modi presented an opportunity to reconsider such rhetoric.

"You used to shower so many insults in Babur's name, yet the people of that very country are now honouring you with an award," he said.

Owaisi asks Sangh Parivar to ‘reflect’

The AIMIM chief also called on the RSS and its supporters to reflect on the significance of the Uzbek honour.

"The Sangh needs to reflect on this. You used to abuse us, invoking Babur. And now you have been given a civilian award from the very place where Babur came from," Owaisi said.

He added that the development should change the way Babur's name is used in political arguments.

"We hope that people of the Sangh Parivar and those who support the RSS will no longer take Babur's name in this manner, because the Fergana Valley is there, in Uzbekistan. Now what will they say?" he asked.

Owaisi’s remarks came as Modi continued his official engagement in Central Asia, with the Uzbekistan visit forming part of a wider diplomatic push to strengthen India’s relations with the region.

Modi dedicates Uzbek award to India-Uzbekistan ties

Modi received the Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik Order during his visit to Uzbekistan, with the honour recognising his contribution to developing friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

"Honoured to receive the Oliy Darajali Do'stlik Order. I dedicate this to the enduring bond between India and Uzbekistan," Modi said in a social media post.

India and Uzbekistan have expanded their engagement across areas including trade, investment, defence, education and connectivity, with both sides seeking to deepen their strategic partnership.

The Uzbek award also adds to a growing list of major international honours received by Modi from foreign governments.

Modi’s growing list of international honours

In July, Indonesia conferred its highest civilian award, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, on Modi for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.

In June, Seychelles awarded him its highest national honour, the Guardian of the Blue Horizon, recognising his role in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Earlier this year, Israel conferred the Medal of the Knesset on Modi, making him its first recipient.

Russia awarded Modi the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, its highest state decoration, in 2024 in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership.

The United States also awarded Modi the Legion of Merit in 2020, citing his leadership in strengthening the India-US strategic partnership.