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Jaishankar Stops in Zurich En Route to 3-Nation Caribbean Visit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a brief stopover in Zurich en route to a three-nation official visit to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The visit, from May 2 to May 10, aims to strengthen India's historical and cultural ties with the Caribbean nations, particularly through the Girmitiya communities. Jaishankar will meet with leadership and counterparts to discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues, as well as engage with business leaders and the Indian diaspora. The trip underscores a shared commitment to South-South cooperation and development.

Key Points: Jaishankar En Route to Caribbean Visit via Zurich

  • Jaishankar makes brief stopover in Zurich
  • Visit covers Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago
  • Trip runs from May 2 to May 10
  • Focus on Girmitiya communities, diaspora, and South-South cooperation
2 min read

EAM Jaishankar makes stopover in Zurich en route to 3-nation Caribbean visit

EAM S Jaishankar stops in Zurich en route to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago for a 9-day official visit to strengthen ties.

"This visit of EAM is envisaged to continue the momentum of India's political engagements with Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago - Ministry of External Affairs"

Zurich, May 2

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar made a brief stopover in Zurich on Saturday while en route to his official visit to Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Embassy of India in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, in a post on X, said Jaishankar was received at Zurich Airport by Anoop Dhingra, Minister (Commerce), upon his arrival.

"Hon'ble EAM S Jaishankar was extended a hearty welcome at Zurich Airport, Switzerland, en route to his official visit to Caribbean countries, by Anoop Dhingra, Min (Com)," the embassy said in a post on X.

Jaishankar embarked on a three-nation tour to Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago as part of his official visit to the Caribbean nations.

According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit will take place from May 2 to May 10.

MEA stated that the visit underscores India's close historical and cultural ties with the three countries, particularly due to the presence of Girmitiya communities.

During the visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet the leadership of the three nations and hold discussions with his counterparts on a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations as well as regional and global matters of mutual interest.

The ministry said the visit is aimed at sustaining the momentum of India's political engagement with Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, while further strengthening longstanding and friendly ties. It also reflects a shared commitment to South-South cooperation and development.

"During the visit, EAM will meet with the leadership of the three countries and hold discussions with his counterparts covering the entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest," the statement read.

"This visit of EAM is envisaged to continue the momentum of India's political engagements with Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago and boost our longstanding and friendly relations with these countries, reflecting mutual commitment to South-South cooperation and development," it added.

In addition to official meetings, the External Affairs Minister is expected to engage with prominent business leaders and interact with members of the Indian diaspora in the three countries.

India has been steadily deepening its engagement with these nations over time, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance diaspora-focused cooperation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Riya H
South-South cooperation needs more attention from Indian media. These countries are important partners in global forums like UN, and the diaspora there plays a big role in local politics. Smart move by Jaishankar ji.
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Michael C
As someone who's worked in Caribbean trade, I can say these nations are undervalued partners. India's push for deeper ties there is strategic - they're members of CARICOM, OAS, and have growing economies. Hope this visit leads to concrete outcomes.
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Arjun K
Zurich stopover... at least he didn't have to spend taxpayer money on a separate flight just for a meeting. But honestly, I wish our diplomatic visits would focus more on countries closer to home like Nepal, Bhutan, or Sri Lanka instead of flying across the world.
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Sneha F
10 days for 3 nations seems long, but I suppose the diaspora events and business meetings take time. Let's hope our TRT (Trinidad & Tobago) connect yields some cricket diplomacy as well! 🏏
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Kavya N
Important to remember that these Girmitiya communities have preserved Indian culture, food, and even languages like Bhojpuri after 150 years. This is a renewal of ties that should have been stronger earlier. Better late than never for our foreign policy. 🇮🇳🇯🇲🇸🇷🇹🇹
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