INDIA'S northern neighbour of Bhutan on Friday (17) conferred its highest civilian award Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo on prime minister Narendra Modi.
“Overjoyed to hear His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji's Narendra Modi name for the highest civilian decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo,” the prime minister’s office of Bhutan said in a Facebook post.
Bhutanese king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk highlighted the support Modi extended to the Himalayan nation over the years and especially during Covid-19 pandemic.
“HM highlighted all the unconditional friendship and support Modiji extended over the years and particularly during the 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 prime minister’s office added.
India has given Bhutan assistance during the pandemic in the form of Covid-19 vaccines and other medical equipment.
Earlier this year, Bhutanese prime minister Lotay Tshering congratulated Modi over India administering a billion Covid-19 doses. He also said that being a close neighbour to India, Bhutan feels more secure.
Bhutan was also the first country that Modi visited after getting elected as the prime minister in May 2014. He made a second visit there in 2019.
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A rescuer assists a resident through heavy mud following flash floods on August 27, 2026 in Trishuli, Nepal. A sudden flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River basin in northern Rasuwa on August 26, damaging settlements, roads and energy infrastructure as rescue teams searched for residents and foreign travellers reported out of contact. Hundreds were reported missing, as the death toll started to climb.Getty Images
Rescue personnel provide medical treatment to a child at an army rescue camp in Trishuli Batar, Nepal, on August 27, 2026. A sudden flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River basin in northern Rasuwa on August 26, damaging settlements, roads and energy infrastructure, as rescue teams searched for residents and foreign travellers reported out of contact. Hundreds were reported missing as the death toll began to climb. Getty Ima
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