New Delhi : Union Minister and BJP President JP Nadda on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being conferred with the Dominica's highest national award, the 'Dominica Award of Honour'.
Praising PM Modi, Nadda said that this award is a testament to India's "growing global influence" under the leadership of PM Modi. He added that this award symbolizes the deepening friendship between India and Dominica.
"Heartfelt congratulations to Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi ji on being conferred Dominica's highest national award, the 'Dominica Award of Honour,' by President Sylvanie Burton. This prestigious recognition is a testament to India's growing global influence under PM Modi ji's leadership and symbolizes the deepening friendship between India and Dominica. This marks the 18th international award bestowed upon him, celebrating not only his statesmanship but also the aspirations of 140 crore Indians," Nadda posted on X.
Earlier EAM Jaishankar also congratulated PM Modi, "Another great moment for India as PM Modi is awarded the highest national award of Guyana, "The Order of Excellence". Noting PM's championing of the rights of the Global South and sharing India's development journey with the world, the award is a true recognition of his visionary leadership."
Notably, the Commonwealth of Dominica conferred its highest national honour, the Dominica Award of Honour, upon PM Modi. President Sylvanie Burton presented the award to PM Modi in recognition of his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to strengthening the relationship between India and Dominica.
Upon receiving the prestigious award, PM Modi expressed his gratitude, saying, "This honour is not only mine but of 140 crore people of India, their efforts, their values and their tradition. We are two democracies, and we together are role models of women's empowerment for the world. It is a matter of deep satisfaction that we were able to help the people of Dominica during a pandemic like Covid-19."
This recognition follows a long-standing history of cooperation between India and Dominica. Prime Minister Modi, during his visit to Guyana, also met with Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in Georgetown for bilateral talks. The meeting highlighted India's commitment to fostering stronger ties with Caribbean nations.
India and Dominica have maintained cordial diplomatic relations since 1981, with numerous high-level exchanges between the two countries. PM Modi and PM Skerrit first met during the India-CARICOM Leaders' Meeting in New York in 2019.
The relationship has been marked by continued collaboration on several initiatives, including India's support to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic. India's Vaccine Maitri initiative, for example, saw the donation of 70,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines to Dominica in 2021.
Additionally, India has been proactive in supporting Dominica's development. Through the India-UNDP Project in Kalinago, India has provided USD 1 million to strengthen sustainable livelihoods in the Kalinago community. India has also committed an additional USD 1 million for the second phase of the Community Resilience Project in 2024.
The Indian diaspora in Dominica, which includes nearly 500 people of Indian-origin, plays a significant role in enhancing cultural and economic relations between the two countries. Members of the diaspora are involved in retail businesses, medical professions, and academic institutions like Ross Medical University.