Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, the highest civilian award of Bhutan, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first foreign government leader to receive this prestigious honor from the Himalayan nation. The honor was bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi by the King of Bhutan in recognition of his exceptional contributions to strengthening India-Bhutan relations and his distinguished service to the Bhutanese nation and its people.

The announcement of this significant recognition was made by the King of Bhutan during the 114th National Day celebrations on December 17, 2021. This prestigious award highlights Prime Minister Modi’s remarkable efforts and dedication towards fostering closer ties between India and Bhutan, as well as his unwavering commitment to serving the interests of the Bhutanese people.

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo is considered the pinnacle of Bhutan’s honor system, symbolizing lifetime achievement and excellence. Established with a strict ranking and precedence, it holds precedence over all other orders, decorations, and medals in Bhutan. This recognition reflects the deep appreciation and gratitude of the Bhutanese government and people for Prime Minister Modi’s significant contributions to enhancing bilateral cooperation, promoting regional stability, and fostering mutual prosperity between the two nations.