Embassy of India

Embassy of India

Thimphu

Press Release: Prime Minister of India conferred the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred Bhutan’s highest civilian honour ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ by His Majesty The King of Bhutan 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 has visited Bhutan twice in 2014 and 2019, both visits have contributed significantly to the growth of India-Bhutan relations into new areas of cooperation ie space; science and technology; fintech; STEM and IT. India was a major contributor of vaccines to Bhutan as part of its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative earlier this year.

The announcement was made by His Majesty The King of Bhutan in the course of Bhutan’s 114th National Day celebrations held at the Tashichhodzong, Thimphu when such honours are traditionally conferred.

Prime Minister Modi is the first foreign Head of Government to receive Bhutan’s highest civilian honour. Others include Her Majesty The Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck in 2008; His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup In 2008 and His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra in 2018.

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 honor system in Bhutan, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals.

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17 December 2021