Georgetown (Guyana): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed seven “key pillars” to strengthen ties between India and the Caribbean Community, asserting that New Delhi is “totally committed” to taking these relations to new heights.
Modi made the remarks on Wednesday as he joined leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the second India-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit here.
The prime minister arrived in Guyana earlier in the day — the first visit by an Indian head of the state in more than 50 years.
The second India-CARICOM Summit saw leaders exploring ways to boost economic cooperation, agriculture, food security, health, pharmaceuticals, and scientific innovations.
Modi suggested creating an online portal to connect private sectors and stakeholders across countries. This initiative aims to promote the five Ts: trade, technology, tourism, talent, and tradition. He highlighted India’s progress in the SME sector and emphasized implementing a previously announced one million dollar grant for SMEs. “We should focus on its implementation now,” Modi stated.
In 2019, CARICOM leaders met with Modi during the 74th UN General Assembly session. They discussed renewable energy and climate change cooperation through a USD 150 million credit line from India. These discussions aimed at fostering sustainable development in the region. Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali expressed gratitude towards India for its support during the COVID pandemic.
“I want to thank you and people of India for your selfless attributes when you delivered to this region the first set of vaccines during the COVID pandemic,” he said.
The Ministry of External Affairs reports that approximately 3,20,000 people of Indian origin reside in Guyana. Modi’s visit followed his participation in the G20 Summit in Brazil. There, he met global leaders like US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Before arriving in Guyana, Modi visited Nigeria. In Nigeria, he held bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and engaged with the Indian community there. The summit underscored India’s commitment to strengthening ties with CARICOM nations.
By focusing on key areas like trade and technology, both regions aim to foster mutual growth and development.
