India's continues to strengthen ties with Caribbean countries via high-level engagements
Port of Spain, May 27
India has supported the Caribbean Community countries since decolonisation and the early phase of nation-building in the region. The relationship was further strengthened during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago last year, which marked the 180th anniversary of the arrival of indentured Indian immigrants in 1845, a report has stated.
Writing for the Caribbean media outlet 'Daily Express', Ralph Maraj, Trinidad and Tobago's Ambassador to CARICOM, said that the India-CARICOM relations gained momentum during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar's recent visits to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, where he held talks with the leaders of these nations to enhance the bilateral partnerships.
The expert noted that PM Modi became the second Indian Prime Minister to visit the Caribbean in 2024 after a gap of 56 years on a historic visit to Guyana where key instruments were agreed to advance the comprehensive bilateral ties.
Most significantly, Maraj said, the second CARICOM-India summit took place during this visit, co-chaired by PM Modi and Grenada's Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, with participation from all CARICOM leaders.
During the summit, Prime Minister Modi presented a seven-pillar framework aimed at strengthening cooperation between India and CARICOM.
"In capacity building he announced 1,000 IT scholarships, a proposed regional forensic centre, expansion of India's technology centre in Belize, and online training for civil servants. Under Agriculture and Food Security, India would share its advancements in agriculture technology and promote millet cultivation for nutrition and sustainability," Maraj detailed.
In areas of renewable energy and climate change, PM Modi extended an invitation to CARICOM member states to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuel Alliance.
"Under Innovation and Technology, India would share its digital payment systems (UPI) and eMarketplace model and engender collaboration on 'Stack' infrastructure to support SMEs. Under Ocean Economy and Maritime Security, the Indian PM would position Caricom as 'large ocean countries' with potential for marine resource development and pledge support for maritime security against piracy and trafficking," Maraj further highlighted.
Furthermore, in medicines and healthcare, the summit envisaged shared affordable healthcare solutions through India's 'Janaushadi' scheme, telehealth programmes, advanced cancer treatment technologies and adoption of the Indian Pharmacopoeia to help reduce healthcare costs.
With India emerging as the world's fourth largest economy, Maraj said, "There is enormous opportunity here for the Caribbean Community. In today's world of increasing geopolitical uncertainties, it is good to have India as CARICOM's friend."
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who's watched India's rise over the past decade, this strategic engagement with CARICOM makes a lot of sense. The seven-pillar framework covers everything from healthcare to maritime security. It's a holistic approach that goes beyond just aid—it's about building genuine partnerships. Truly impressive!
Excellent to see India expanding its global outreach! The millet cultivation promotion and renewable energy cooperation are right on track with our domestic policies. Millets are not just healthy but also climate-resilient—perfect for Caribbean nations facing climate challenges. Though I do wonder about the implementation timelines for all these promises.
This makes me proud! 🇮🇳 From fighting colonialism together to now building a digital and economic partnership—India and the Caribbean have come a long way. The Indo-Caribbean diaspora (over 80 million people of Indian origin globally) is truly a bridge between nations. Janaushadi scheme for affordable healthcare and the forensic centre are practical, impactful initiatives.
While the rhetoric is great, I hope these agreements translate into real action on the ground. The 1000 IT scholarships are good but we need to ensure they reach genuinely deserving students from remote Caribbean islands. India's "Stack" infrastructure is impressive but local adaptation will be key. Let's wait and watch how this unfolds in the next 2-3 years.
The fact that India is positioning CARICOM nations as "large ocean countries" for marine resource development is a smart geopolitical move. With China also eyeing the Caribbean, India is offering a transparent, rule-based partnership. The ISA and Global Biofuel Alliance membership invitation is
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.