PM Modi Receives ‘Order of The DrukGyalpo’

• Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has received the “Order of the DrukGyalpo”, Bhutan’s highest civilian award, making him the first non-Bhutanese to be conferred with the honour.
• The award has been conferred to Prime Minister Modi in recognition of “his outstanding contribution to the growth of India-Bhutan relations and for his distinguished service to the Bhutanese nation and people.”
• PM Modi is also the first foreign head of government to receive Bhutan’s prestigious civilian honour.
• Bhutan’s King Jigme conferred the Order of the DrukGyalpo on PM Modi after the two leaders met in the capital.
• The announcement for the honour was made by the King of Bhutan during the 114th National Day celebrations on December 17, 2021.

ABOUT THE AWARD:

• The Order of the DrukGyalpo Award is the highest civilian award instituted by the Government of Bhutan. The award is given for lifetime achievement and takes precedence over all orders, decorations and medals given in Bhutan.

INDIA – BHUTAN RELATIONS:

• India and Bhutan share very close political and diplomatic ties.
• The relationship between the two countries is based on the Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship, which was signed in The treaty was revised as the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty in 2007.
• According to the treaty, both countries have agreed not to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
• Both countries will cooperate closely on issues of national interest and will not allow the use of its territory to harm the national security and interests of the other.
• The treaty provides for free trade and commerce between the two countries.
• PM Modi’s visit seeks to further cement India’s unique and enduring relations with Bhutan as part of the country’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy.

ABOUT BHUTAN:

• Bhutan, also known as Druk Yul, means “Land of the Thunder Dragon.
• Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia. It shares international boundaries with India and China.
• Four Indian states, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim, share a land border with
• The length of India’s international border with Bhutan is 699 km.