External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met foreign ministers from the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in New York. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The discussions focused on strengthening India-CARICOM ties. Jaishankar highlighted economic, digital and mobility cooperation as key areas for deeper engagement.
He also spoke about India’s development partnership with Caribbean countries. The meeting covered training programmes, healthcare assistance, renewable energy and support for small businesses.
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India Seeks Deeper Economic and Digital Cooperation
Jaishankar said India and CARICOM should further deepen their ties. He placed particular emphasis on economic, digital and mobility-related cooperation.
Economic engagement was an important part of the discussions. Both sides have been working to expand trade and investment links.
Digital cooperation also offers opportunities for greater engagement. India has developed several digital public infrastructure initiatives. It has also offered training and capacity-building programmes to partner countries.
Mobility was another area highlighted by Jaishankar. Greater cooperation in this field can support people-to-people links, education and professional exchanges.
Jaishankar said the relationship between India and Caribbean countries has a strong foundation. He pointed to their shared history and common development challenges.
Meeting Held on UNGA Sidelines
The India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly.
Jaishankar and Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation Melvin W. J. Bouva co-chaired the meeting.
Foreign ministers and senior representatives from several CARICOM countries attended. Participants included representatives from Barbados, Dominica, the Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Haiti, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Finance Minister of Grenada, the CEO of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CARICOM Secretary General also participated.
Trade and Investment on the Agenda
The two sides discussed ways to increase trade and investment. They also reviewed progress in India’s development partnership with CARICOM countries.
Agriculture and food security formed part of the discussions. Climate resilience and energy cooperation were also highlighted.
Digital governance emerged as another important area. India and Caribbean countries have been exploring ways to expand cooperation in digital technology and public services.
The discussions reflected a broad approach to India-CARICOM relations. The focus extended beyond traditional diplomatic engagement to practical development cooperation.
India Highlights Development Partnership
Jaishankar highlighted several initiatives that India has supported in the Caribbean region.
India has worked with CARICOM countries on Small and Medium Enterprise projects and Quick Impact Projects. According to Jaishankar, several committed projects have already been completed. Others remain under implementation.
These projects focus on practical development needs in partner countries. They form part of India’s broader development partnership with countries of the Global South.
India has also provided assistance in the healthcare sector. Jaishankar mentioned artificial limb fitment camps and haemodialysis units supplied to Caribbean partners.
India has also provided compact BHISHM Cube medical units to some CARICOM countries. These portable medical facilities can support emergency healthcare needs.
Training Opportunities for CARICOM Countries
Training and capacity building also featured prominently in the meeting.
Jaishankar urged CARICOM countries to make greater use of training slots offered by India. He also offered customised training programmes based on the specific interests of individual countries.
India provides training opportunities through several capacity-building programmes. These initiatives allow officials and professionals from partner countries to gain skills and technical knowledge.
Customised programmes can address areas identified by individual countries. Such cooperation can strengthen institutional capacity while expanding people-to-people connections.
Cooperation on Solar Energy and Biofuels
Energy cooperation was another important part of the discussions.
Jaishankar highlighted India’s efforts to promote solarisation in the CARICOM region. He invited member countries to consider joining the International Solar Alliance.
The minister also invited CARICOM countries to join the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Both initiatives focus on cooperation in clean energy and sustainable development. Greater participation by Caribbean countries could create opportunities for technical cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Climate resilience is particularly relevant to Caribbean countries. Many island nations face challenges linked to extreme weather events and climate change.
India’s cooperation in renewable energy therefore provides another potential area for closer partnership.
Cooperation at International Forums
The meeting also covered cooperation on international issues.
India and CARICOM countries discussed working together in multilateral forums. Areas mentioned included United Nations reforms, climate change, counter-terrorism and transnational crime.
Both sides have also expressed interest in strengthening cooperation on global development issues.
CARICOM countries have supported India’s engagement with the Global South. The group also conveyed its support for India’s candidature for the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term.
Jaishankar thanked CARICOM countries for their support. He said India would continue to serve as a strong voice for the Global South.
Shared History Strengthens India-Caribbean Relations
India and CARICOM countries share historical connections. The relationship has grown through cultural, economic and people-to-people links.
Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname have significant populations of Indian origin. India also shares historical experiences with other Caribbean nations.
Jaishankar referred to this shared history during the meeting. He also highlighted common development challenges faced by India and Caribbean countries.
These connections have helped create a foundation for wider cooperation. Current engagement is now expanding into areas such as technology, healthcare, renewable energy and skills development.
Focus on Practical Cooperation
The latest meeting showed India’s focus on practical cooperation with Caribbean partners.
Training programmes can support capacity building. Healthcare assistance can address specific medical needs. Renewable energy initiatives can support climate goals.
SME projects and Quick Impact Projects can contribute to local development. Digital cooperation can also create new opportunities for public services and economic activity.
The discussions therefore covered a wide range of sectors. Both sides also emphasised the importance of continued engagement.
India-CARICOM Partnership Enters Wider Phase
The India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting reflects the expanding scope of relations between India and the Caribbean Community.
Economic cooperation remains an important priority. Digital technology, mobility, healthcare, skills and clean energy are also gaining greater attention.
India’s development partnership has provided another channel for engagement. The two sides are now looking to build on existing projects and identify new areas of cooperation.
The meeting in New York also reinforced cooperation at international forums. With shared interests on development and several global challenges, India and CARICOM countries are continuing to explore ways to strengthen their partnership.
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