President Droupadi Murmu honoured with Suriname’s top civilian award

Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi conferred India’s President Droupadi Murmu with the country’s highest civilian award, the ‘Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star,’ as part of her three-day state visit. The honour signifies the deep-rooted bilateral ties between India and Suriname.
This visit marks President Murmu’s first international tour since taking office in July of last year. The ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Suriname, with Murmu expressing her heartfelt gratitude for the honour. She emphasised the award’s significant relevance to both her and the 1.4 billion Indian people and dedicated it to the Indian-Surinamese community, who have continually enhanced the fraternal ties between the nations.
The President’s award was followed by congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that this acknowledgment reflects the enduring friendship between India and Suriname. During her stay, President Murmu engaged in various official activities, including spending time with local children and exploring the ‘Marinetrap’ simulation at Independence Square.
On Monday, she held delegation-level talks with her Surinamese counterpart, highlighting the rich historical and cultural ties that form the basis for the India-Suriname partnership. She noted the potential for expanding bilateral trade and expressed confidence that the memoranda of understanding signed during the visit would bolster economic ties, with potential for further collaboration in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, Ayurveda, and defence.
In addition to fostering these ties, Murmu announced the extension of eligibility for the Overseas Citizen Of India (OCI) card for original Indian immigrants in Suriname, now covering up to the sixth generation. This change symbolises the 150-year-old bilateral relationship’s significance. Murmu urged the Indian diaspora to maintain their connections with India, thereby strengthening the bond between the two countries.
The President’s visit also included a homage to the Baba and Mai monument and the Mama Sranan monument, signifying the first Indian immigrants in Suriname and the ethnicities residing in Suriname, respectively. President Murmu concluded her visit by attending a banquet in her honour, where she emphasised India’s inclusive approach towards global cooperation.