PM Modi becomes 1st foreign leader to receive highest honour of Himalayan country

PM Modi receives Order of the Druk Gyalpo:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi who embarked on a two-day state visit to Bhutan conferred with the highest honour of the Himalayan country - Order of the Druk Gyalpo by the King of Bhutan on Friday. 

On his two-day visit to Bhutan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Tashichho Dzong Palace in Thimphu.

#WATCH | Thimpu: The King of Bhutan confers the Order of the Druk Gyalpo on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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 honour system in… pic.twitter.com/hkszvDdWyd — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024

He also attended a cultural programme at the Tendrelthang Festival Ground in the presence of Bhutan King. On his arrival to Bhutan, Modi received a rousing welcome from the people who turned out in large numbers.

During PM Modi's visit to Bhutan, locals lined the 45-kilometer route from Paro to Thimphu to welcome him, an unprecedented gesture. 

At his hotel in Thimphu, Bhutanese youth performed a Garba, a Gujarati folk dance, to a song written by Modi, dressed in traditional attire. 

This followed interactions with Indian diaspora and locals outside the hotel in Thimphu. The warm reception showcased the strong bond between India and Bhutan.

About the Order of the Druk Gyalpo

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo is a prestigious honor bestowed by the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the nation and the monarch, the Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King). 

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo is considered one of the highest civilian honors in Bhutan and is granted based on merit, contributions to society, and acts of selflessness and dedication to the country's welfare. 

India and Bhutan Relations 

India and Bhutan share a unique and historically significant relationship characterized by close ties in various aspects including diplomatic, economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation. 

India was the first country to recognize Bhutan's independence in 1949 and has played a significant role in Bhutan's socio-economic development. The relations between India and Bhutan was anchored by the foundational Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 and later reaffirmed in February 2007.

India also played a crucial role in resolving the Doklam border standoff between Bhutan and China in 2017, demonstrating the strength of the Indo-Bhutanese alliance.

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Over the years, high-level exchanges have played a pivotal role in nurturing the strong bond between India and Bhutan. 

(With inputs from agencies)

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