At the historic India-CARICOM Summit 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with Dominicas highest national award, the Dominica National Award of Honor. This recognition marks the first time an Indian leader has received the award. Notably, the award was presented by Dominicas President, Sylvanie Burton.

The award was given as an appreciation of Prime Minister Modis leadership and his contributions to safeguarding the lives of people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The award ceremony took place at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana following the arrival of PM Modi to the nation.

At the event, PM Modi was accompanied by the President Burton and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica.

PM Modi was grateful with the President and Prime Minister of both the nations. He thanked President Burton and PM Skerrit and applauded them for their efforts in Dominicas environmental preservation. He also reaffirmed Indias further commitment to strengthen the bilateral ties with Dominica. PM Modi also highlighted the urgent need to take action against issues like Climate change.

The event was attended by the leaders of five CARICOM nations including Antigua and Barbados’ Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Saint Lucias Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, Grenadas Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Guyanas President Dr Irfaan Ali.

Reflecting upon their bond of friendship, Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit took to his social media handle. He shared some glimpses of the meeting.

Further Dominican PM Skerrit also spoke about the collaboration between India and Dominica while addressing the event. He stressed about the significance of the award, PM Modi received. He also recalled Indias support especially during the COVID Pandemic. PM Skerrit recognized PM Modis generous donations in 2021. He described it as a testament to global partnership and South-South Collaboration.

He further also highlighted Indias advancements in different sectors. These including healthcare, infrastructure, renewable energy and initiatives such as the international Solar Alliance for smaller nations.

What is International Solar Alliance?

The International Solar Alliance is a treaty-based Intergovernmental organization. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande in 2015 during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. The ISA aims to promote the efficient use of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change. It brings together more than 120 nations, located between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. It is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana.

About India-CARICOM Summit 2024

Additionally, the 2^nd edition of the India-CARICOM Summit has been taking place in Georgetown Guyana from November 20, 2024 to November 24, 2024. The summit aimed to strengthen ties between India and the Caribbean community (CARICOM) countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Georgetown, Guyana on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years.

Highlights of the Summit

During the summit, PM Modi proposed seven key pillars to boost India-Caribbean relations. He focused on several key pillars including enhancing trade, boosting India-Caribbean relations, cultural exchanges and technological cooperation. Several Memorandums were also signed during the summit. These memorandums signed were on different sectors like, culture, agriculture, deployment of Indias UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in the Caribbean.

PM Modi also stressed upon the importance of reforms in global institutions to better reflect todays world and society, along with close cooperation with CARICOM.