King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck conferred Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Thimpu on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said it is a very big day in his life. He said every award is special, but when one receives an award from another country, it shows that both countries are moving on the right path. He said, this honour is not his personal achievement, but the honour of India and 140 crore Indians. He accepted the honour on behalf of all Indians and expressed gratitude upon being conferred the award.
Prime Minister Modi is the first foreign leader to be given this prestigious award. The citation of the Order states that the award recognises Prime Minister Modi’s personal accomplishments and leadership, and his contributions to strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and Bhutan. It also honours India’s rise as a global power under his leadership, and celebrates Bhutan’s special bond with India. The citation further states that Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has set India on the path of transformation, and that India’s moral authority and global influence have grown. The King of Bhutan had announced the conferment of the award during Bhutan’s 114th National Day celebrations in December 2021.
Prime Minister Modi also held talks with the King of Bhutan this afternoon at Tashichhodzong Palace, in Thimphu. Both leaders renewed commitment to the special and unique India-Bhutan friendship. They reviewed the bilateral ties and discussed ways to take them to new levels. External Affairs Ministry said the meeting provided an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation. Recalling that Bharat for Bhutan and Bhutan for Bharat was an abiding reality, the two leaders discussed ways to further the transformative partnership. They explored initiatives to expand bilateral collaboration in the fields of energy, development cooperation, youth, education, entrepreneurship and skill development. The two leaders also discussed progress in connectivity and investment proposals including in the context of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.
Prime Minister also received an audience with Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck today. Mr Modi thanked The Fourth King for his leadership, vision and contributions to the strengthening of India- Bhutan relations. Both leaders held discussions on wide ranging issues related to the India-Bhutan ties of friendship and cooperation as well as on regional issues of mutual.
