In a remarkable acknowledgment of his tireless endeavors to fortify the longstanding camaraderie between India and Bhutan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Friday bestowed with the highest civilian honor of the kingdom, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, during a momentous ceremony in Thimphu. The prestigious award, presented by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, marks a historic milestone as PM Modi becomes the inaugural foreign leader to receive this distinguished accolade.
Graciously accepting the honor, PM Modi dedicated it to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, underscoring the profound bond shared between the two nations. Bhutan, in reciprocation, expressed profound gratitude, lauding PM Modi as a steadfast advocate of their national aspirations towards self-reliance and prosperity.
The citation accompanying the award lauded PM Modi's exemplary leadership and unparalleled contributions in nurturing the bilateral relations between India and Bhutan. It extolled India's ascent as a global powerhouse under his stewardship and celebrated the symbiotic relationship between Bhutan and India.
PM Modi's visionary policies, including the 'Neighbourhood First' initiative, were hailed for fostering regional cooperation and collective progress within South Asia. The citation portrayed PM Modi as an epitome of multifaceted leadership, instrumental in propelling India's remarkable economic growth trajectory.
Expressing heartfelt appreciation for the honor bestowed upon him, PM Modi emphasized that the accolade is a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations and the shared aspirations for mutual prosperity.
"Honoured to be conferred with 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' Award by Bhutan. I dedicate it to 140 crore Indians," PM Modi wrote on X.
The Order of the Druk Gyalpo, established as the pinnacle of Bhutan's honor system, is conferred as a lifetime achievement award. It holds precedence over all other decorations and medals in the country. With only a select few individuals having received this esteemed accolade, PM Modi's induction into this illustrious circle underscores the depth of the bilateral relations between India and Bhutan.
This prestigious honor was announced by Bhutan's King during the nation's 114th National Day celebrations, further cementing the enduring bond between the two nations. The Order of the Druk Gyalpo symbolizes not only the personal achievements of its recipients but also the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan, which continue to thrive under the visionary leadership of PM Modi.
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