Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Guyana from November 20 to November 22 marked a landmark moment for India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It was the first visit by any Indian Prime Minister to Guyana since independence, and it signaled India’s commitment to deepening relationships with Caribbean nations. The visit included the second India-CARICOM Summit, during which Modi laid out his vision for future collaborations, encapsulated within the framework of seven key pillars—each representing the acronym 'C.A.R.I.C.O.M.'
The pillars of this framework encompass Capacity Building, Agricultural Development, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, Innovation and Technology, Healthcare and Medicine, Ocean Economy, and Cultural Exchange. Each pillar highlights the various sectors where India intends to provide support and resources to CARICOM nations.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of capacity building during his address at the summit, going as far as to announce the addition of 1,000 new slots for Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scholarships over the next five years for CARICOM countries. He remarked, "Through scholarship, training, and technique, India has been helping the capacity building of CARICOM countries." This program aims to equip professionals and students from these nations with the skills needed to thrive.
At the summit, Modi also announced plans to establish forensic centers and parliamentary training programs as part of India’s assistance. Regarding the current challenges faced by the Caribbean, particularly with food security and climate change, Modi pointed out initiatives to promote the growing of millet, which he dubbed a 'super food.' He emphasized, "Millets can be grown under various climates and can be instrumental for countries addressing climate change and improving food security," linking back to his advocacy for sustainable agricultural practices.
PM Modi's talks extended to how India is ready to assist the Caribbean with innovative solutions for challenges posed by climate change. One such example he shared was the development of technology capable of converting invasive Sargassum seaweed—a significant issue for the Caribbean tourism and lodging industries—into fertilizer. This technology not only tackles the immediate problem of seaweed but also enhances agricultural productivity, linking environmental challenges with economic opportunities.
On the diplomatic front, Modi's visit saw India and Guyana signing ten Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering diverse fields such as culture, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and introducing electronic payment systems akin to UPI (Unified Payments Interface) to the Caribbean. Such agreements are expected to bolster bilateral trade and investment, particularly in areas like renewable energy, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals.
Responding to the warm welcome he received, including from President Irfaan Ali of Guyana, and leaders from Grenada and Barbados, Modi spoke to locals during community addresses, stating, "You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian." This sentiment reinforced the cultural connections shared between India and the Caribbean, particularly among the Indian diaspora which plays a significant role within these communities.
The visit by Prime Minister Modi arrives at a time when India and CARICOM look to strengthen their ties, encouraging partnerships aimed at mutual benefit. The growing trends of support manifest not only through trade but also through cultural exchanges, training programs, and collaborative efforts aimed at facing shared challenges.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley celebrated the summit, expressing, "It is a historic moment for most of us in CARICOM to meet with PM Narendra Modi and participate in the CARICOM-India Summit at the Heads of Government level". Her pride reflects both the significance of such leadership dialogues and the eagerness for sustained cooperation moving forward.
Overall, the India-CARICOM Summit not only reinforced existing partnerships but also mapped out future endeavors focused on shared growth, cultural ties, and collaborative problem-solving interventions. With this visit, Prime Minister Modi has reignited hopes for a comprehensive engagement strategy aimed at enriching both India and the Caribbean, investing systematically and thoughtfully to cultivate pathways for the future.
