PM Modi becomes first foreign leader to receive Bhutan’s top civilian honour

Mangalore Today News Network/News18

New Delhi, Mar 23, 2024: 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.

 

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

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.

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.

First Foreign Leader

Since its institution, the award has been conferred upon only four eminent personalities. PM Modi is the first foreign Head of Government to receive Bhutan’s highest civilian honour. Previous recipients of the award include 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 announced in December 2021 during 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 citation on the award conferred to PM reads.

‘Modi’s leadership’

“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 citation further 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.”