Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history on Friday by becoming the first foreign Head of Government to be bestowed with Bhutan’s highest civilian honour, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. Modi was awarded by the King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, during his state visit to the country.
“This honour is not my personal achievement, it is the honour of India and 140 crore Indians. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of all Indians in this great land of Bhutan and thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this honour,” the Prime Minister said at a public award ceremony at the Tendrelthang, Thimphu.
PM Modi further expressed gratitude to the King of Bhutan in an X post for presenting the award. “I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India. I am also confident that India-Bhutan relations will keep growing and benefit our citizens,” the prime minister wrote on microblogging site X.
It is with great humility that I accept the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. I am grateful to HM the King of Bhutan for presenting the Award. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India. I am also confident that India-Bhutan relations will keep growing and benefit our citizens. pic.twitter.com/bDtKZJsS7X
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2024
Bond of Friendship Between India-Bhutan Strengthened: EAM Jaishankar
Congratulating PM Modi on being conferred Bhutan’s highest civilian decoration, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that this decision strengthens the India-Bhutan bonds of friendship and celebrates the exceptional ties between the two countries. “That PM Modi is the first foreign leader to be conferred this high distinction is a reflection both of his personal stature and our unique relationship,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Special Gestures For Modi
Modi arrived in Paro today on a State Visit to Bhutan from March 22-23. The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan and the Government’s emphasis on its Neighbourhood First Policy. Prime Minister was warmly received by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at Paro airport and accorded a ceremonial welcome.
For the first time in history, an Indian Prime Minister is being hosted for a private dinner by the King of Bhutan. The exclusive event is taking place at the K5 Residence in the majestic Lingkana Palace. Earlier today, PM Modi became the first foreign national to be given the country’s highest award. As per ranking and precedence established, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted as the decoration for lifetime achievement and is the pinnacle of the honor system in Bhutan, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals.
