India’s relationship with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations continues to deepen through sustained diplomatic engagement and expanding developmental partnerships, according to a report published in Trinidad and Tobago’s Daily Express.

Writing for the publication, Mr Ralph Maraj, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to CARICOM, noted that India has consistently supported Caribbean countries since the era of decolonisation and early nation-building. He observed that the ties received renewed momentum during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Trinidad and Tobago in 2024, commemorating the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured immigrants in the Caribbean.

Mr Maraj also highlighted the recent visits of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, where discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening strategic partnerships across the region.

He recalled Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Guyana in 2024, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 56 years, during which several agreements were concluded to advance bilateral ties. The visit also witnessed the second CARICOM-India Summit, co-chaired by PM Modi and Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, with participation from all CARICOM leaders.

At the summit, PM Modi unveiled a seven-pillar framework to elevate cooperation between India and CARICOM nations. The framework focused on capacity building, agriculture, renewable energy, innovation, maritime security, healthcare and technology partnerships.

Mr Maraj noted that India announced 1,000 IT scholarships, expansion of technology centres, online civil service training programmes and proposals for a regional forensic centre. India also offered support in agricultural technology, millet cultivation, digital payment systems and SME infrastructure development.

In the field of renewable energy, India encouraged CARICOM nations to join the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance. Maritime cooperation, healthcare support and affordable medicine initiatives also formed important elements of the partnership roadmap.

With India now emerging as the world’s fourth-largest economy, Mr Maraj stressed that the Caribbean region stands to benefit significantly from closer engagement with New Delhi amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.

“In today’s world of increasing geopolitical uncertainties, it is good to have India as CARICOM’s friend,” wrote Mr Maraj.