In a historic moment marking strong bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India was honored with Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, during his state visit to the country. This accolade, bestowed by Bhutan’s King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, underscores the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.
Expressing gratitude during the award ceremony, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the honor was a testament to the collective achievements of India and its 1.4 billion citizens. He humbly accepted the award on behalf of his countrymen, acknowledging the significance of such recognition from a friendly neighboring nation like Bhutan.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan from March 22nd to 23rd signifies India’s steadfast commitment to its Neighbourhood First Policy and the tradition of fostering close diplomatic relations with Bhutan. His arrival in Paro was met with a warm reception, symbolizing the warmth and camaraderie shared between the leaders of both countries.
The Order of the Druk Gyalpo, established as the pinnacle of Bhutan’s honor system, recognizes outstanding lifetime achievements. Prime Minister Modi’s receipt of this prestigious award marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first foreign Head of Government to be honored with this distinction.
Notably, the award citation lauds Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, highlighting India’s economic growth, technological advancement, and commitment to environmental sustainability under his stewardship. It underscores his pivotal role in strengthening regional cooperation through initiatives like the Neighbourhood First policy, which has fostered collective progress in South Asia.
