As PM Modi embarks on his first visit since its announcement in 2021, he will be honored with Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. Earlier, Modi’s visit had to be rescheduled on Thursday due to unfavorable weather.

New Delhi: 22 March 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose Thursday visit to Bhutan was postponed due to inclement weather, touched down in Paro, Bhutan on Friday, March 22, 2024, for a 24-hour State visit. The reception was warm, highlighted by a Guard of Honour ceremony. Mr. Modi is slated to receive Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, during his visit.

This will be PM Modi’s first visit since the 2021 award announcement, where Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will present the award as a gesture of appreciation for Modi’s efforts in enhancing India-Bhutan relations. Notably, this includes India’s donation of 500,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses in 2021.

While in Bhutan, PM Modi will engage in multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening the partnership between India and Bhutan.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, PM Modi shared a picture of his journey to Bhutan along with the caption: “En route to Bhutan, where I will be participating in programs to strengthen the India-Bhutan partnership. Anticipating talks with Prime Minister @tsheringtobgay, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and His Majesty the King of Bhutan.”

#PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome in Bhutan

Prime Minister Modi received a warm welcome as the Bhutanese populace lined the entire 45-kilometre stretch from Paro International Airport to Thimphu. The route was embellished with both Indian and Bhutanese flags.

Upon his arrival at Paro airport, PM Modi was greeted with a red-carpet reception.

At Paro airport, Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, greeted him warmly and conducted a ceremonial welcome.

The Bhutanese Prime Minister’s Hindi message on X read: “भूटान में आपका स्वागत है मेरे बड़े भाई @narendramodi जी।”