New Delhi/Thimphu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Friday conferred Bhutan’s highest civilian honour, The Order of the Druk Gyalpo Class I.
Prime Minister Modi is the first foreign Head of Government to receive Bhutan’s highest civilian honour.
PM Modi expressed his thanks to the Bhutanese PM Lotay Tshering and the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and said he was deeply touched by the warm gesture. He also said India will always cherish Bhutan as one of its closest friends and neighbours, and will continue to support Bhutan’s development journey in every possible way.
Announcing the honour on social media, the PM Lotay Tshering said that he is “Overjoyed” to hear the Bhutan King announce PM Modi’s name for the country’s highest civilian decoration, Order of the Druk Gyalpo.
The Bhutan King “highlighted all the unconditional friendship and support Modiji extended over the years, and particularly during the pandemic”.
“Much deserving! Congratulations from the people of Bhutan. In all interactions, seen Your Excellency as a great, spiritual human being. Looking forward to celebrating the honour in person,” he posted.
In a series of tweets, PM Modi expressed his thanks for the honour.
“Thank you, Lyonchhen @PMBhutan! I am deeply touched by this warm gesture, and express my grateful thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan.
“I have been privileged to receive the utmost love and affection from our Bhutanese brother and sisters, and take this occasion to convey my greetings to all of them on the auspicious occasion of the National Day of Bhutan.
“I admire Bhutan for its unique model of sustainable development and the deeply spiritual way of life. Successive Druk Gyalpos – Their Majesties the Kings – have given a unique identity to the Kingdom, and nurtured the special bond of neigbhourly friendship that our nations share.
“India will always cherish Bhutan as one of its closest friends and neighbours, and we will continue to support Bhutan’s development journey in every possible way,” he posted.
The Bhutanese award is the pinnacle of the honour system in Bhutan, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals.
The award was presented by The King of Bhutan, in recognition of PM Modi’s outstanding contribution to the growth of India-Bhutan relations and for his distinguished services to the Bhutanese nation and people. (UNI)
