PM Modi Receives “Order of the Druk Gyalpo” Award 2024, which is Highest Civilian Award of Bhutan

During his two-day State visit to the neighboring country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the “Order of the Druk Gyalpo Award,” Bhutan’s highest civilian award, on Friday. He holds the distinction of becoming the first foreign Head of State to do so.

Order of the Druk Gyalpo: Modi received the honor, which was declared during the 114th National Day celebrations on December 17, 2021, by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

His Majesty the King of Bhutan awarded Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, the country’s highest civilian medal, at a public ceremony held at the Tendrelthang in Thimphu. The first foreign leader to get this esteemed accolade is Prime Minister Modi.

What is the “Order of the Druk Gyalpo” Award?

“Bhutan’s highest honor system as well, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, was established as a lifetime achievement decoration, exceeding all other orders, in line with its rules and precedent., decorations and medals,” read a statement released by the Indian Embassy in 2021, the year the announcement was made.

The Prime Minister Modi received the award for “his distinguished service to the Bhutanese nation and people as well as his outstanding contribution to the growth of India-Bhutan relations,” according to a statement.

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“Order of the Druk Gyalpo” Award

His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup in 2008, Her Majesty The Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck in 2008, and His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra in 2018 are among the other recipients of this honor.
It is an honor to get the Bhutanese “Order of the Druk Gyalpo” Award. Modi said on X, “I dedicate it to 140 crore Indians.”

Since becoming prime minister in 2014, PM Modi has made three trips to Bhutan; the first two were in 2014 and 2019.

PM Modi’s Visit to Bhutan 

Prime Minister Modi was originally planned to visit Bhutan on March 21, 2024, but the visit was postponed to March 22 due to unfavorable weather over the Paro airport. The visit will now take place on March 22–23 for two days.

Tshering Tobgay, the prime minister of Bhutan, met him at the airport in Paro.

The 45-kilometer journey from the Paro airport to Thimpu was lined with people who enthusiastically welcomed Prime Minister Modi to Bhutan.

At Thimphu’s Tashichho Dzong Palace, the Prime Minister had a meeting with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan.

At the Tendrelthang Festival Ground, the Bhutanese King and Prime Minister Modi attended a cultural event held in his honor.
Different facets of bilateral relations were discussed by the two leaders. They decided to strengthen their collaboration in the areas of renewable energy, youth exchange, tourism, agriculture, and the environment and forestry.

Prime Minister Modi will also open the cutting-edge Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu, which is being funded by India, while he is there.

As part of the Indian government’s Neighbourhood First Policy, Prime Minister Modi’s visit is a continuation of the regular high-level visit exchange between the leaders of two nations.

India-Bhutan Relations

India and Bhutan maintain tight diplomatic and political relations.

The 1949 Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship serves as the foundation for the two nations’ relationship. In 2007, the agreement was updated and renamed the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty.

Both nations have pledged in the pact not to meddle in the internal affairs of other nations.

On matters of mutual concern, the two nations will work closely together, and neither will let the other to utilize its territory in a way that jeopardizes its interests or national security.

Free trade and business between the two nations are guaranteed by the treaty.