PM Narendra Modi to Receive Dominica’s Highest National Honour for Global Leadership
The Commonwealth of Dominica is set to bestow its most prestigious accolade, the Dominica Award of Honour, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognizing his pivotal role during the Covid-19 pandemic and his efforts to bolster India-Dominica relations. The award ceremony will take place during the India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19-21, 2024.
A Gesture of Gratitude for Pandemic Support
Dominica’s President, Sylvanie Burton, will present the award in appreciation of India’s critical support to Dominica during the global health crisis. In 2021, India delivered 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Dominica under its Vaccine Maitri initiative. This assistance not only addressed Dominica’s needs but also allowed the island nation to extend aid to its Caribbean neighbors, strengthening regional solidarity.
Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, expressed heartfelt gratitude for PM Modi’s timely interventions. “India’s support during one of the most challenging times in modern history is a testament to PM Modi’s vision for global solidarity,” Skerrit said, adding that the award symbolizes Dominica’s respect for Modi’s leadership.
Acknowledging Broader Contributions
The award also highlights India’s ongoing contributions under PM Modi’s leadership in critical areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and information technology. Moreover, Modi’s commitment to global climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable development has resonated strongly with Caribbean nations that are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
India’s International Solar Alliance and other sustainability initiatives have garnered praise, with Dominica benefitting from collaborative efforts aimed at mitigating environmental challenges.
Strengthening India-CARICOM Ties
The upcoming India-CARICOM Summit will offer an opportunity to deepen collaboration between India and the Caribbean nations. Discussions are expected to cover economic partnerships, climate change mitigation, technology transfers, and people-to-people connections. PM Modi will be joined by President Sylvanie Burton and PM Roosevelt Skerrit, among other Caribbean leaders, to explore shared goals for sustainable development.
A Symbol of International Cooperation
On accepting the Dominica Award of Honour, PM Modi reiterated the significance of global cooperation in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical instability. He emphasized that India remains steadfast in supporting Dominica and the Caribbean region to promote peace, resilience, and inclusive growth.
Legacy of Friendship and Solidarity
India-Dominica relations have evolved significantly in recent years, with partnerships extending beyond pandemic support to long-term development goals. Experts view the award as a marker of the enduring bond between the two nations and an acknowledgment of India’s growing role on the global stage.
As Dominica honours PM Modi, the gesture also serves as a call for further strengthening international alliances to address shared challenges and build a future rooted in cooperation and mutual respect.
