Bhutan confers its highest civilian award on PM Narendra Modi

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Bhutan, on Friday, conferred its highest civilian award, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck - head of state of the country, pronounced Modi’s name for the civilian decoration, highlighting the “unconditional friendship”, and support that India, under the PM’s leadership, had extended to Bhutan over the years; particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Much deserving! Congratulations from the people of Bhutan,” said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) of the country in an official post on Facebook. “In all interactions, seen Your Excellency as a great, spiritual human being. Looking forward to celebrating the honour in person.”

According to ministry of external affairs, mutually beneficial economic inter-linkages between India and Bhutan have been an important factor in bilateral relations. India continues to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan, extending its assistance to many developmental projects there, like 1020 MW Tala Hydroelectric Project, Paro Airport, etc.

Moreover, India is also a leading trade partner of Bhutan, with free trade regime existing between the countries. Bhutan was the first country to receive the PM’s regime’s gift of Covid-19 vaccines, manufactured by Serum Institute of India. Earlier this year, Bhutan received the first consignment of 1.5 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine from India, as a gift.