Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck for being conferred with 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo', Bhutan's highest civilian honour and dedicated it to the 140 crore people of the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay reviewed all aspects of bilateral energy cooperation, welcomed the expert-level discussions on the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydro-electric Project and said that they look forward to the commissioning of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hy
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Bhutan, India and Bhutan committed to pursuing a transformative partnership that advances the "unique and special" relations between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first foreign dignitary and fourth person to have been conferred with the Order of the Druk Gyalpo- Bhutan's highest civilian honour, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Friday.
While addressing a special briefing on PM Modi's State Visit to Bhutan, Kwatra noted that India has been largest development partner of Bhutan since the inception of Bhutan's next year five year plan process.
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.