India and CARICOM Nations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a framework of seven key pillars aimed at deepening India's ties with the Caribbean nations during the second India-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit, held in Georgetown, Guyana. This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in over fifty years, signifying a historic milestone in India's diplomatic outreach to the region.

Seven Pillars of Cooperation

During his address, PM Modi outlined seven strategic areas for collaboration, which were also encapsulated in the acronym C-A-R-I-C-O-M. These pillars are:

Capacity Building
Agriculture and Food Security
Renewable Energy and Climate Change
Innovation, Technology, and Trade
Cricket and Culture
Ocean Economy
Medicine and Healthcare

These key pillars reflect India's commitment to advancing its relationships with the Caribbean nations, focusing on mutual growth, sustainability, and cultural exchange.

Strengthening Ties Between India and CARICOM

PM Modi underscored India's dedication to enhancing ties with the Caribbean region, citing shared historical experiences, current needs, and common aspirations for the future. He emphasized India's unwavering commitment to these partnerships, especially in the context of the Global South’s concerns and priorities.

"Our efforts are focused on the shared concerns of the Global South," PM Modi stated, reinforcing India's intention to drive these relations forward through targeted collaborations. He also suggested the creation of an online portal aimed at connecting private sectors and stakeholders across the nations, to promote trade, technology, tourism, talent, and tradition.

In line with his vision for greater collaboration, PM Modi highlighted India's growing support for the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. He recalled the previous year's announcement of a one million dollar grant for the sector, urging swift implementation of the initiative.

CARICOM: A Key Regional Bloc

The CARICOM (Caribbean Community) is a collective of twenty-one countries, comprising fifteen member states and six associate members. It represents a diverse and vibrant region with a population of approximately sixteen million people, 60% of whom are under the age of 30. The member countries are home to a variety of ethnic groups, including Indigenous Peoples, Africans, Indians, Europeans, Chinese, Portuguese, and Javanese.

The Caribbean community has a strong connection with India, especially in Guyana, which is home to around 320,000 people of Indian origin. CARICOM countries, including Guyana, have engaged with India in various sectors, including renewable energy, where a USD 150 million credit line was discussed during the 2019 meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

PM Modi’s visit to Guyana and the second CARICOM Summit mark a significant step in strengthening the bond between India and the Caribbean. By focusing on shared interests, particularly in agriculture, energy, and cultural exchange, India aims to forge deeper, more meaningful connections with the region, propelling both sides towards greater prosperity.

With inputs from agencies
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