President Droupadi Murmu honored with Suriname’s prestigious civilian award

President Droupadi Murmu, during her official three-day visit to Suriname, was honored with the prestigious Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star, the highest civilian award of the country. This significant recognition highlights the enduring friendship between India and Suriname, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who extended his congratulations via Twitter.

Expressing her gratitude, President Murmu acknowledged the immense honor and emphasized its significance not only for herself but also for the 1.4 billion people of India. She dedicated the award to the Indian-Surinamese community, recognizing their remarkable contributions in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.

In addition to this remarkable achievement, President Murmu announced a significant development regarding the eligibility criteria for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card. The Indian government has approved the extension of the eligibility criteria from the fourth to the sixth generation, enabling the descendants of those who arrived in Suriname aboard the historic ship “Lalla Rookh” to obtain OCI cards.

During her visit, President Murmu held a productive meeting with her Surinamese counterpart, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and led delegation-level talks, further enhancing the diplomatic relations between the two countries. President Murmu expressed her appreciation for the warm reception and highlighted the striking similarities between India and Suriname, emphasizing the sense of belonging and familiarity she experienced during her visit.

The recognition of President Murmu with Suriname’s highest civilian award, along with the significant policy change regarding OCI eligibility, reflects the growing partnership and mutual respect shared between India and Suriname, fostering stronger bonds and cooperation in various domains