Next five years will bring new energy to India-Bhutan relations: PM Modi

"To fulfil your goals, India stands with you for BB—Brand Bhutan and Bhutan Believe," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the gathering at Tendrelthang Festival Ground in Bhutan. He is on a two-day state visit to Bhutan.

"I assure you that the upcoming 5 years will give new energy to our relations. We will work to create avenues in the connectivity, infrastructure, trade, and energy sectors," PM Modi said.

Calling the "Bharat-Bhutan partnership" not limited to land and water, the Prime Minister said, "Bhutan is now a partner of Bharat in its space missions. Scientists of Bhutan have launched satellites in collaboration with ISRO," adding that we celebrate each other's achievements."

"Today, India is the world's fifth-largest economy, growing at the fastest pace. To take today's achievements forward, we have resolved to have 25 years of Amritkaal.

"Soon we are going to become the world's third-largest economy. Bhutan will be a strong partner in this journey of ours," he said.

Saying the aspirations and goals of the youth of India and Bhutan are the same, PM Modi said, "India has set a goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, while Bhutan has set a goal of becoming a high-income country by 2034."

He was conferred with Bhutan's highest civilian award, the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo,' making him the first foreign Head of Government to receive this prestigious recognition.

The award was given in acknowledgment of "his outstanding contribution to the growth of India-Bhutan relations and for his distinguished service to the Bhutanese nation and people."

Expressing gratitude to his Bhutan counterpart for the award, PM Modi said, "Today is a very big day in my life as an Indian. This honour is not my achievement; it is the honour of India and 140 crore Indians."