Prime Minister Narendra Modi made historical past on Friday by changing into the primary international 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, throughout his state go to to the nation.

“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 mentioned at a public award ceremony on the Tendrelthang, Thimphu.

PM Modi additional expressed gratitude to the King of Bhutan in an X put up 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 website X.

Bond of Friendship Between India-Bhutan Strengthened: EAM Jaishankar

Congratulating PM Modi on being conferred Bhutan’s highest civilian ornament, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar mentioned that this determination strengthens the India-Bhutan bonds of friendship and celebrates the distinctive ties between the 2 international locations. “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 mentioned in a put up on X.

Special Gestures For Modi

Modi arrived in Paro right now on a State Visit to Bhutan from March 22-23. The go to is in step with the custom of standard high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan and the Government’s emphasis on its Neighbourhood First Policy. Prime Minister was warmly acquired by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at Paro airport and accorded a ceremonial welcome.

For the primary time in historical past, an Indian Prime Minister is being hosted for a non-public dinner by the King of Bhutan. The unique occasion is going down on the K5 Residence within the majestic Lingkana Palace. Earlier right now, PM Modi turned the primary international nationwide to be given the nation’s highest award. As per rating and priority established, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted because the ornament for lifetime achievement and is the head of the glory system in Bhutan, taking priority over all orders, decorations and medals.

First Foreign Leader

Since its establishment, the award has been conferred upon solely 4 eminent personalities. PM Modi is the primary international Head of Government to obtain Bhutan’s highest civilian honour. Previous recipients of the award embody Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck in 2008; Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup (68th Je Khenpo of Bhutan) in 2008 and Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra in 2018. Je Khenpo is the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan.

This award was first introduced in December 2021 throughout Bhutan’s National Day. “Narendra Modi is an outstanding embodiment of national, regional, and global leadership. Under him, India has become the fastest growing economy in the world and will be the third largest economy by 2030,” a quotation on the award conferred to PM reads.

Read More: Bhutan Confers Its Highest Civilian Decoration ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ on PM Modi

‘Modi’s management’

“Prime Minister Modi has emerged as a figure of destiny, transforming the ancient civilization of India into a dynamic centre of technology and innovation. His commitment to safeguard the environment and invest in renewable energy makes India’s progress truly well rounded. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has set India on the path of transformation, and India’s moral authority and global influence have grown,” it added.

The quotation additional states that “PM Modi’s Neighbourhood First policy has strengthened South Asia, and paved the way for collective progress. Bhutan is honoured that a statesman of such stature is a true friend of the Bhutanese people. Prime Minister Modi is a firm supporter of Bhutan’s national vision to achieve self-reliance and become a developed nation. Bhutan-India relations is exemplary among nations.”

(With inputs from Shailendra Wangu)