Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the affinity between the people of India and Bhutan makes their bilateral relationship unique while emphasising that "Bharat" resides in people's hearts in this Himalayan nation.
He said this in his address to a gathering here after receiving Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo', the first foreign Head of the Government to receive the honour.
The honour was conferred on him by the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Modi said the successful endeavour of one country is cheered by the other.
"The affinity between people of India and Bhutan makes our relationship unique," he said.
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In his address, he told the Bhutanese people that "India resides in your hearts".
Prime Minister Modi on Friday arrived in Bhutan on a two-day State visit to further cement India's unique relations with the Himalayan nation as part of the country's 'Neighbourhood First' Policy.
In his address, he addressed the gathering as "My dear friends of Bhutan" and greeted them with a 'namaskar', receiving a thud of applause from the audience.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fifth King of Bhutan, and members of the royal family were also present on the occasion.
In his address in Hindi, Modi asserted that "Our ties are inseparable. Our friendship is inseparable. Our mutual cooperation is inseparable. And, the main thing is our faith is unwavering. And, that is why this day is very special for me."
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People from Bhutan dressed in their native wear and holding flags of both countries clapped intermittently as Modi addressed them.
"As an Indian, it is a great day for me. You have honoured me with Bhutan's highest (civilian) award. Every award is credible. But, when that award comes from a different country, then that faith gets strengthened that we both countries are moving forward in the right direction," he said.
Modi said it "enhances our belief that through our efforts" welfare of people of both countries has taken place.
"It gives us enthusiasm and energy to work harder. But this honour is not my personal achievement. This is an honour for India and 140 crore Indians," Modi said.
The Indian prime minister said on this "great land of Bhutan, on behalf of all Indians I humbly accept this award".
He thanked Bhutan and its people from the bottom of his heart.
Modi said 140 crore Indians know that the people of Bhutan are akin "to their family members..." He said the people of Bhutan also know this and accept that "India is their family".
As per ranking and precedence established, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted as the decoration for lifetime achievement and is the pinnacle of the honour system in Bhutan, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals.
