Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first foreign head of government to receive Bhutan's highest civilian award, the 'Order of Druk Gyalpo', has dedicated the honour to the 140 crore Indians.

Prime Minister Modi, upon receiving the award from the King of Bhutan and expressed, "This honour is not my personal achievement, it is the honour of India and 140 crore Indians. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of all Indians in this great land of Bhutan and thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this honour."

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing two-day State visit to Bhutan, India and Bhutan exchanged multiple MoUs and signed agreements covering various sectors including energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, and agriculture.

The MoU establishing rail links between the two nations was also finalized during the visit. Prime Minister Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay presided over the exchange of MoUs.

Prime Minister Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart met in Thimphu for a working lunch hosted in Modi's honour. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tobgay for the warm reception extended to him by the public during his journey from Paro to Thimphu.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders discussed various aspects of their bilateral relations and agreed to enhance cooperation in sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, youth exchange, environment and forestry, and tourism.

The MEA highlighted that India and Bhutan share longstanding and exceptional ties, marked by high levels of trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding across all levels.

Prime Minister Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart witnessed the exchange of multiple MoUs/Agreements covering various sectors. They also initiated the text of an MoU for establishing rail links between India and Bhutan.

The MoU establishes two rail links between India and Bhutan: Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse, with implementation details. Another MoU covers the supply of Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL) from India to Bhutan, specifying related items and entry/exit points.

The agreement between BFDA and FSSAI aims to streamline trade between India and Bhutan, reducing compliance costs and promoting ease of doing business. BFDA's export inspection certificate will be recognised by FSSAI for products exported to India, simplifying compliance with Indian regulations.

The MoU aims to enhance energy efficiency in Bhutan's household sector through a star labelling programme and the formulation of building codes based on India's experience. It also involves creating a pool of energy professionals in Bhutan through training programs.

Image source: ANI