President Droupadi Murmu of India was recently awarded the highest civilian honor of Suriname, the ‘Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star.’ Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, bestowed the prestigious award on President Murmu during her three-day State visit to the country. This visit marked President Murmu’s first official trip to Suriname since assuming office in July of the previous year, and it aimed to strengthen the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs proudly announced the honor on their official Twitter account, describing it as a reflection of the strong India-Suriname relationship. President Murmu expressed her deep gratitude and stated that she felt greatly honored to receive this distinction from Suriname.
The visit of President Murmu to Suriname emphasized the importance both countries placed on nurturing their historical and cultural ties. It was a significant step towards fostering greater collaboration in various sectors, including trade, investment, technology, and education.
Suriname, a small country on the northeastern coast of South America, shares a longstanding connection with India. Many citizens of Indian origin have settled in Suriname over the years, contributing to the country’s rich cultural fabric. The award presented to President Murmu symbolized the acknowledgment of these strong historical ties and the mutual respect between the two nations.
During her visit, President Murmu engaged in high-level discussions with President Santokhi and other Surinamese officials to explore avenues of cooperation and to deepen bilateral relations. The leaders discussed various areas of collaboration, including trade and investment, energy, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
Both presidents expressed their commitment to strengthening economic ties and increasing trade between the two countries. They acknowledged the potential for enhanced cooperation in sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. President Murmu emphasized India’s expertise in these fields and expressed her country’s willingness to share knowledge and resources with Suriname.
Education emerged as another important aspect of the bilateral discussions. President Murmu highlighted India’s world-class educational institutions and offered scholarships to Surinamese students to pursue higher education in India. This exchange of students and scholars would not only promote cultural understanding but also facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise between the two nations.
The visit also witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between India and Suriname. These agreements covered diverse areas, including agriculture, healthcare, defense, and cultural exchanges. The signing of these MoUs further solidified the commitment of both countries to expanding their collaboration and fostering long-term partnerships.
Additionally, President Murmu visited the Jaggernath Lachmon Monument in Paramaribo, paying homage to the renowned Surinamese politician of Indian origin. This gesture underscored the shared cultural heritage and celebrated the contributions of the Indian diaspora in Suriname.
The State visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Suriname concluded on a positive note, leaving behind a trail of strengthened ties and renewed commitment to cooperation. It provided an excellent opportunity for both countries to deepen their mutual understanding, explore new avenues of collaboration, and lay the foundation for a prosperous future.
The conferment of Suriname’s highest civilian award on President Murmu served as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Suriname and marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. As the two nations continue to build on this foundation, they are poised to unlock immense potential for growth, development, and shared prosperity.