CARICOM and India Strengthen Ties at Second Summit
Leaders Meet to Boost Economic, Commercial, and Diplomatic Ties
Leaders from 13 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Georgetown, Guyana, on November 20, 2022, to strengthen economic, commercial, and diplomatic ties between the two regions.
Collaboration in Agriculture
The two sides agreed to focus on innovation and technology in agriculture, including climate-smart farming practices, expanding agribusiness, improving transportation and logistics, and sharing knowledge about high-yield seeds, farming equipment, and sustainable agriculture.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett praised India’s contributions to healthcare, renewable energy, information technology, and the blue economy in the region, stating, "Our countries rely on partnerships like these to develop innovative solutions. We thank India for its strong advocacy on issues that matter to our region."
Gratitude for COVID-19 Support
The summit was the first in-person meeting between CARICOM leaders and Prime Minister Modi since India provided the region’s first COVID-19 vaccines in February 2021, during a global vaccine shortage. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali thanked India for its timely support, saying, "Prime Minister Modi, on behalf of our community, we thank you and the people of India for your selfless contribution during the pandemic."
Chairman’s Remarks
CARICOM Chairman and Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, praised India’s efforts to promote sustainable development in the region and called for deeper international cooperation, highlighting India’s commitment to addressing global challenges like the digital divide.
Prime Minister Modi’s Address
Prime Minister Modi shared India’s vision for supporting CARICOM, outlined by the acronym CARICOM: Capacity Building; Agriculture and Food Security; Renewable Energy and Climate Change; Innovation, Technology, and Trade; Cricket and Culture; Oceans Economy and Maritime Security; and Medicine and Healthcare.
Key initiatives include:
- Expanding India’s technical cooperation program to train 1,000 CARICOM participants in the next five years.
- Upgrading a technical development center in Belize.
- Establishing a forensic center in CARICOM.
- Providing technology for drone surveillance and soil testing in agriculture.
- Offering passenger and cargo vessels and mapping capabilities for maritime security.
"India is ready to enhance cooperation in all these areas based on your priorities and needs," said Prime Minister Modi.
Conclusion
The second CARICOM-India Summit aims to strengthen ties between the two regions and promote sustainable development in areas such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, food security, health, and technology.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the CARICOM-India Summit?
A: The summit aims to strengthen economic, commercial, and diplomatic ties between CARICOM and India.
Q: What are the key areas of focus for the two sides?
A: The two sides will focus on innovation and technology in agriculture, expanding agribusiness, improving transportation and logistics, and sharing knowledge about high-yield seeds, farming equipment, and sustainable agriculture.
Q: What is India’s support for CARICOM in the area of healthcare?
A: India has provided COVID-19 vaccines to the region and has committed to enhancing cooperation in the area of healthcare.
Q: When is the next CARICOM-India Summit?
A: The next CARICOM-India Summit will be hosted in India.
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