PM Modi: 1st Non-Bhutanese to receive highest civilian award

1. In March 2024, PM Narendra Modi visited Bhutan at the invitation of Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay.
2. During his two-day state visit, he received Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo.
3. With this he became the 1^st non-Bhutanese to be honored with the Order of the Druk Gyalpo.

• Notable, this was PM Modi’s 1^st visit since the award was announced in 2021.
• The award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to Bhutanese society and culture.

4. This award is a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
5. Noteworthy, from 14-18 March, 2024 PM of Bhutan was in India on an official visit, which was his first overseas visit after assuming office in February 2024.

Key Highlights of the India-Bhutan Bilateral Talks

1. Both countries signed an agreement on the supply of petroleum products to ensure a reliable and sustained supply from India to Bhutan.
2. Bhutan's Food and Drug Authority and India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in food safety measures.
3. Both countries signed an MoU on energy efficiency and conservation that demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development.

• India aims to assist Bhutan in enhancing energy efficiency in households,

Key Facts India and Bhutan have a strong bond of friendship based on mutual trust, goodwill, and cooperation.Both nation share a 376-mile border. Both Nations are founding member of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). Both Nations also share other multilateral forum such as BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Both Nations established diplomatic relations in January 1968 with the establishment of an office in Thimphu. Both Nations signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1949. Bhutan was also one of the 1st countries to recognize India's independence in 1947. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. India has provided significant assistance to Bhutan's socio-economic development since 1961, when Bhutan launched its 1st Five Year Plan. The two countries have a free trade regime and signed a Trade and Commerce Agreement in 1972.

Significance of Bhutan for India

1. Bhutan’s strategic location makes it an important buffer state for India's security interests.

• In 2017, during the Doklam standoff between India and China, Bhutan played a crucial role in allowing Indian troops to enter its territory to resist Chinese incursions.

2. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner and Bhutan's major export destination.

• Bhutan's hydropower potential is a significant source of revenue for the country, and India has been instrumental in assisting Bhutan in developing its hydropower projects.

3. Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country, India also has a vibrant Buddhist community alongside its Hindu majority, making both countries share strong cultural ties.

Major Challenges in the India-Bhutan Relations

1. China's increasing presence in Bhutan, particularly along the disputed border between Bhutan and China, has raised concerns in India.

• China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relations yet, but have maintained friendly exchanges.

2. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner, accounting for over 80% of Bhutan's total imports and exports.

• However, there have been some concerns in Bhutan over the trade imbalance, with Bhutan importing more from India than it exports.

3. Bhutan has been seeking greater access to the Indian market for its products, which could help to reduce the Trade Deficit.

Way Forward

1. India can help Bhutan by investing in infrastructure development, tourism, and other sectors. This will help Bhutan to create employment opportunities for its people.
2. India and Bhutan can promote cultural exchange programs to foster greater understanding and appreciation of each other's culture, art, music, and literature.
3. A visa-free movement of peoples from both countries can strengthen sub-regional cooperation.
4. India and Bhutan can strengthen their strategic cooperation to address shared security concerns. They can work together to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

Major awards and honours received by PM Narendra Modi
Country/Organisation	Award Name
Saudi Arabia	Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (2016)
Afghansitan	Stat order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (2016)
Palestine	Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award (2018)
South Korea	Seoul Peace Prize (2018)
Russia	Order of St. Andrew Award (2019)
UAE	Order of Zayed Award (2019)
Maldives	Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin (2019)
USA	Legion of Merit (2020)
Egypt	Order of Nile (2023)
France	Legion of Honour (2023)
Greece	Order of Honour (2023)
Bhutan	Order of The Druk Gyalpo (2021)
United Nations	Champions of the Earth Award (2018)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation	Global Goalkeepers Award
The Straits Times	Asian of the Year

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