Barbados and India Strengthen Ties in Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Trade
Barbados Aims to Become a Trade Centre for the Eastern Caribbean
[Photo by Kathryn Maingot on Unsplash Barbados aims to become a trade centre for the Eastern Caribbean.]
Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, has pledged to strengthen ties with India in climate change, renewable energy, and other areas. This commitment was made during a ceremony at State House, where Barbados awarded its highest national honour, the Honorary Freedom of Barbados, to India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, India’s High Commissioner to Barbados, Shri Subhash Prasad Gupta, and other officials attended the event.
Growing Economic Relationship
Barbados and India have a growing economic relationship, with trade including machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, plastics, copper, and organic chemicals. In 2022-2023, total trade reached $25.48 million, with India’s exports at $24.19 million and imports from Barbados at $1.29 million.
Air Services Agreement
In 2015, both countries signed an Air Services Agreement to allow direct flights, aiming to boost tourism and business.
Indian Companies in Barbados
Indian companies are active in Barbados, such as Larsen & Toubro, which rebuilt the Kensington Oval cricket stadium for $30 million.
Deeper Cooperation
Minister Symmonds emphasized plans for deeper cooperation with India, particularly in climate change and renewable energy. He highlighted India’s leadership in renewable energy, which aligns with Barbados’ goals. He also noted collaboration in pharmaceuticals, where India will help develop regulatory frameworks as Barbados begins pharmaceutical production.
New Embassy in India
Barbados plans to open an embassy in India to strengthen commercial ties and diversify supply chains. Minister Symmonds said this move aims to expand Barbados’ diplomatic and economic reach.
Gratitude and Appreciation
Minister Symmonds expressed gratitude to India for its help during the pandemic, calling it one of the most significant acts of support since Barbados gained independence. Minister Margherita thanked Barbados for the honor and praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in promoting international cooperation. He said India and Barbados have a strong relationship that has grown under the leadership of Prime Ministers Modi and Mottley.
History of Diplomatic Ties
India and Barbados established diplomatic ties on November 30, 1966.
Conclusion
Barbados and India are deepening their ties in various areas, including climate change, renewable energy, and trade. This partnership aims to benefit both countries and strengthen their economic and diplomatic relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the focus of Barbados’ and India’s cooperation?
A: Climate change, renewable energy, and trade.
Q: What are some examples of Indian companies active in Barbados?
A: Larsen & Toubro, which rebuilt the Kensington Oval cricket stadium for $30 million.
Q: What is the significance of Barbados’ new embassy in India?
A: It aims to strengthen commercial ties and diversify supply chains, expanding Barbados’ diplomatic and economic reach.
Q: When did India and Barbados establish diplomatic ties?
A: On November 30, 1966.
About The Author
