President Droupadi Murmu on Monday engaged in restricted talks and delegation-level talks with Surinam President Chandrikapersad Santokhi. During the discussions held in Paramaribo, India and the Republic of Suriname signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the health and agriculture sectors.
These MoUs encompass a joint work plan for cooperation in the agriculture and allied sectors from 2023 to 2027, an MoU between the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission and Suriname's Health Ministry to acknowledge the Indian Pharmacopoeial standards, and an MoU between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and Suriname's Health Ministry to foster collaboration in the field of Medical Product Regulations were inked.
President Droupadi Murmu received a warm welcome by the President Chandrikapersad Santokhi of the Republic of Suriname at the Presidential Palace.
Later, the National Anthems of both India and Suriname were played. The presence of Suriname's First Lady, Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry, added to the occasion.
On June 5, 1873, the first group of Indian contracted labourers arrived in Suriname via the sea route aboard the ship Lalla Rookh. To celebrate this historic event, a re-enactment was presented in the presence of President Murmu.
Additionally, President Murmu inaugurated a simulated village that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Indian diaspora in Suriname. She paid homage to the immigrant community by garlanding the statues of Baba and Mai, symbolizing the challenging journey of immigrants from Calcutta to Suriname.
This monument serves as a powerful testament to the hardships faced by immigrants and their enduring resilience. President Murmu will observe the ceremonial procession from the Presidential Palace balcony later.
