The Commonwealth of Dominica has announced plans to honor India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its prestigious highest national accolade, the Dominica Award of Honour. This recognition is intended to celebrate Modi's invaluable assistance to the island during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Scheduled for presentation during the upcoming India-CARICOM Summit, which is set to occur from November 19 to 21, the award signifies the strong diplomatic and humanitarian ties between the two nations.
Dominican President Sylvanie Burton will be the one to confer this award, highlighting the significant contributions Modi made to the Caribbean nation during one of its most challenging periods. Acknowledging the support from India, Burton commented, “We look forward to building on this partnership and advancing our shared vision of progress and resilience.” This sentiment of collaboration encapsulates the essence of the relationship between the two countries.
The official statement from Dominica's Prime Minister's Office emphasized Modi's role during the health crisis, noting how he provided the nation with 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine back in February 2021. These doses were instrumental for Dominica, bolstering its vaccination efforts and aiding the population's health security.
Beyond just vaccine support, the acknowledgement extends to India’s broader contributions to healthcare, education, and information technology advancements under Modi's leadership, as noted during the official communications. It pointed out Modi's emphasis on climate resilience and sustainable development initiatives. The statement noted, “The award also recognizes India’s support for Dominica in healthcare, education, and information technology under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has been vocal about the heartfelt appreciation from Dominica toward Modi. He remarked, “Prime Minister Modi has been a true partner to Dominica, particularly during our time of need amid a global health crisis.” Such statements reflect the enduring friendship and mutual respect shared between the two governments.
Modi, upon learning of the award, expressed gratitude and emphasized the importance of international collaboration to tackle global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical tensions. He affirmed India’s commitment to continuing its support for Dominica and the Caribbean region, signaling hopes for future partnerships and joint initiatives aimed at achieving mutual progress.
India and Dominica have shared diplomatic relations since 1997, marked by cooperation on various fronts. Dominica values its strategic partnerships and recognizes the global citizenship of nations, paving the way for India to play a prominent role on the international stage.
With the backdrop of increasing vulnerabilities worldwide, such recognitions signify not just bilateral relations but the importance of solidarity during trying times. The upcoming summit will not only be influential for India and Dominica but also for fostering stronger ties among Caribbean nations during post-pandemic recovery.
It's important to note the changing dynamics of global health diplomacy, wherein countries are deeply engaging each other as allies rather than just economic partners. Dominica sees Modi's efforts not only through the lens of pandemic assistance but also as part of longer-term strategies for sustainable development and sharing technological advancements.
This award to Modi is emblematic of the spirit of cooperation being cultivated. Moving forward, as each nation continues to address their challenges, the essence of their partnership remains focused on welfare, mutual respect, and hope for stability and resilience at both domestic and international levels.
