Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with Dominica’s highest award on Wednesday in recognition of his support during the COVID-19 crisis and his efforts to strengthen India-Dominica ties.
President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica conferred the “Dominica Award of Honour” on PM Modi during the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana, marking the completion of his three-nation tour.
“Honoured to be conferred with the highest national award by Dominica. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“The award is a recognition of PM’s statesmanship and contribution to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to strengthening India-Dominica ties,” the Ministry of External Affairs wrote in another post on X.
The Prime Minister will also receive top honours from Guyana and Barbados, bringing his total international accolades to 19. Guyana will confer its highest national award, ‘The Order of Excellence’ on PM Modi, while Barbados will honour him with the prestigious ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’.
The announcement of this prestigious award came earlier from Dominica.
“In February 2021, Prime Minister Modi supplied Dominica with 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine – a generous gift which enabled Dominica to extend support to its Caribbean neighbours,” stated the office of Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
The honour also acknowledges India’s assistance in healthcare, education and IT sectors under Modi’s leadership, along with his global initiatives for climate resilience and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Skerrit stated that the award represents Dominica’s appreciation for Modi’s solidarity with their nation and the wider region.
Earlier, Nigeria too felicitated the PM with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). This made PM Modi the second foreign dignitary to receive this honour. Queen Elizabeth is the only other foreign dignitary who was awarded the GCON, in 1969.