Georgetown, 21 November 2024—Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded Dominica’s highest civilian honor, the “Dominica Award of Honour,” for his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to strengthen ties between India and the Caribbean nation. The accolade was presented by Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton during the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana on Wednesday.
“Honoured to be conferred with the highest national award by Dominica. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India,” Modi said in a post on X.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the recognition as a testament to Modi’s statesmanship and his commitment to enhancing India-Dominica relations.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed gratitude for Modi’s solidarity, stating, “This award reflects our appreciation for his leadership and generosity toward Dominica and the region.”
The award acknowledges India’s role in aiding Dominica during the pandemic, particularly the donation of 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses in February 2021, which also allowed Dominica to assist neighboring Caribbean nations. Additionally, it recognizes India’s contributions under Modi’s leadership in healthcare, education, and information technology, as well as global initiatives promoting climate resilience and sustainable development.
In accepting the honor, Modi underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with Dominica and the broader Caribbean to tackle shared issues.
Dominica’s award marks one of several honors Modi is receiving during his three-nation tour, with Guyana and Barbados also set to bestow their highest civilian awards. These accolades bring the prime minister’s total count of international honors to 19.
Modi’s recognition by Dominica follows an earlier announcement and cements his role in fostering stronger partnerships with the Caribbean region while advancing India’s global engagement.
