In his address in Thimphu, PM Modi said, "Your Majesty, you're taking forward the rich culture of Bhutan with a modern vision. Your efforts are promoting 'innovation' along with 'inner joy' in Bhutan."
He said that Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's decision to confer PM Modi with the honour further strengthens ties between India and Bhutan and celebrates the "exceptional" ties between two nations.
In the presence of PM Modi, a group of Bhutanese artists dressed in traditional attire performed songs including 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram', 'Nagada sang dhol', and 'Dharti sunhari ambar neela'. Radiating festive vibes, the performers wore traditional attire.
As a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the nation, both India and Bhutan have signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including the establishment of rail links between the two nations.
From a private dinner given by the King to being conferred with the country's highest civilian honour, Bhutan's three very special gestures have become a key highlight during the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Himalayan nation.
Tobgay said that PM Modi whom he refers to as his elder brother, has offered his support and his government's assistance, for Bhutan's 13 five-year plan. And for that, on behalf of all the people of Bhutan, I would like to offer my gratitude to the PM and the people of India."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Bhutan, lauded the ties between the two nations and said that the partnership between India and Bhutan is not limited to land and water.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi becomes the first foreign head of government to receive Bhutan's highest civilian award, the 'Order of Druk Gyalpo' on Friday.
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 Bhutan, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals.
PM Modi and Tobgay held discussions on various aspects of the multifaceted bilateral relations and forged an understanding to further enhance cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, youth exchange, environment and forestry, and tourism.