New Delhi, March 22 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with Bhutan's highest civilian honor, the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo', during his two-day state visit to the country. Expressing gratitude for the prestigious award, PM Modi dedicated it to the 1.4 billion citizens of India.

In a heartfelt acceptance speech, the Prime Minister emphasized that the honor was not just his personal achievement but a recognition of the close bond between India and Bhutan. "This honor is not my personal achievement; it is the honor of India and 140 crore Indians," he stated. "I humbly accept this honor on behalf of all Indians in this great land of Bhutan. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this honor."

PM Modi highlighted the deepening partnership between India and Bhutan, extending beyond traditional areas of cooperation to include space exploration. He noted with pride that Bhutanese scientists had collaborated with ISRO to launch a satellite, exemplifying the multifaceted nature of the relationship.

Speaking about shared aspirations, PM Modi pointed out that while India aims to become a developed nation by 2047, Bhutan has set its sights on achieving 'high-income' status by 2034. He assured Bhutan of India's unwavering support in achieving these goals, emphasizing the importance of 'Brand Bhutan' and mutual belief in each other's potential.

The Prime Minister's visit is expected to further strengthen ties between the two nations, focusing on enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, trade, and energy cooperation. The warm reception and discussions with Bhutanese leaders, including King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, underscore the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan.