Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been
conferred with the highest civilian honour of Bhutan, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo, the
Bhutanese government said in a statement.

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the head of
state of the country, pronounced Modi’s name for the much-coveted civilian
honour in order to recognise Modi’s “unconditional friendship” and support to
the Himalayan country during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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 “Overjoyed to hear His Majesty pronounce
Your Excellency Modiji’s Narendra Modi name for the highest civilian
decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo,” a tweet from Prime Minister of Bhutan
read.

“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 PMO Bhutan said in a Facebook
post.

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According to the external affairs ministry,
India continues to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan and
has extended its assistance to several developmental projects in the country
such as the 1020 MW Tala Hydroelectric Project, Paro Airport, and the Bhutan
Broadcasting Station.

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Bhutan received 5.5 lakh doses of COVID vaccine 

The two countries also share a free trade
regime. Bhutan was, in fact, the first country to receive the Narendra Modi
regime’s gift of COVID-19 vaccines, manufactured by the Serum Institute of
India (SII). Earlier this year in January, Bhutan received the first
consignment of 1.5 lakh doses of the Covishield vaccine from India as a gift.
Later, the country also received an additional 400,000 doses of the COVID-19
vaccine from India, thus enabling the nationwide inoculation process against
the pandemic. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, expressing his gratitude,
prayed that these gestures turn into boundless blessings for the people of
India.

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“Pleased to receive additional 400,000
doses of Covishield, making possible the nationwide rollout of our vaccination
programme,” Tshering had tweeted, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The
people of Bhutan and I remain grateful.”