Bhutan's highest civilian honour was bestowed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Bhutan's highest civilian honour, the Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo Award (December 17, 2021).

"Overjoyed to hear His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji's Narendra Modi name for the highest civilian decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo. PMO India," said Bhutan's Prime Minister's Office in a post on Facebook."Overjoyed to hear His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji's Narendra Modi name for the highest civilian decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo. PMO India," said Bhutan's Prime Minister's Office in a post on Facebook.

"HM highlighted all the unconditional friendship and support Modiji extended over the years and particularly during pandemic. Much deserving! Congratulations from the people of Bhutan. In all interactions, seen Your Excellency as a great, spiritual human being. Looking forward to celebrating the honour in person," the Bhutan PMO said in a statement.

Lotay Tshering, Bhutan's Prime Minister, wishes his countrymen a happy National Day.

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the country's head of state, proclaimed PM Modi's name for the prized civilian decoration. Wangchuck also emphasised India's "unconditional friendship" and support for Bhutan in recent years.

Bhutan has received aid from India in the form of COVID-19 vaccinations and other medical equipment since the outbreak began.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering complimented Prime Minister Modi earlier this year on obtaining one billion COVID-19 immunisation doses. Bhutan, he added, feels safer because of its close proximity to India.