Prime Minister of India received Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, during his two-day State visit to Bhutan.He is the first foreign Head of the Government to receive the honour.India and Bhutan have also exchanged several MoUs and signed agreements in the fields of energy, trade, digital connectivity, space and agriculture, and finalised the MoU on the establishment of rail links between the two nations.
‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ Award
- The Order of the Druk Gyalpo stands as Bhutan’s most esteemed civilian accolade, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to society, embodying values of service, integrity, and leadership.
- Recipients of this prestigious award are carefully selected based on their outstanding accomplishments and positive impact on society.
- Their contributions are assessed in alignment with Bhutanese values, emphasising holistic development, cultural preservation, and regional harmony.
Accolade on Indian PM
- Indian PM’s selection as the first foreign Head of Government to receive this honour underlined the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
- The award underscores his leadership, characterised by an unwavering commitment to progress, which aligns closely with Bhutan’s national vision of achieving Self-Reliance.
- Indian PM has emerged as a figure of destiny, transforming the ancient civilisation of India into a dynamic centre of technology and innovation.
- His commitment to safeguarding the environment and investing in renewable energy makes India’s progress truly well-rounded.
Key Pacts Signed by India and Bhutan
Establishment of Rail Links
- An MoU was finalised on the establishment of rail links between India and Bhutan, including the Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail link and Banarhat-Samtse rail link.
Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL)
- An agreement was made for the general supply of POL and related products from India to Bhutan, facilitating supply through agreed entry/exit points.
Recognition of Bhutan Food And Drug Authority (BFDA)
- An agreement was reached for the recognition of official control exercised by BFDA by the Food Safety and Standards Authority Of India (FSSAI), promoting ease of doing business and reducing compliance costs.
Cooperation in Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation
- An MoU aimed to assist Bhutan in enhancing energy efficiency in the household sector through various measures such as promoting a star labelling program and institutionalising training of energy auditors.
Pharmacopoeia, Vigilance, and Testing of Medicinal Products
- This MoU aimed to enhance cooperation and exchange information in the regulation of medicines, allowing for the acceptance of Indian Pharmacopoeia by Bhutan and the supply of generic medicines at affordable prices.
Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) on Space Cooperation
- A concrete roadmap was established for further developing space cooperation through exchange programs and training.
Digital Connectivity
- Both countries signed for renewal of the MoU on Peering Arrangement between the National Knowledge Network of India (NKN) and the Druk Research And Education Network of Bhutan.
- This MoU aims to enhance digital connectivity between India and Bhutan and will benefit the scholars and research institutions of Bhutan.