PM Modi Proposes Seven Key Pillars to Enhance Cooperation Between India and CARICOM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed seven key pillars to enhance India-Caribbean Community ties. This was during discussions with regional leaders on trade, technology, and tourism. Modi's visit to Guyana marked the first by an Indian head of state in over 50 years. The second India-Caribbean Community CARICOM Summit focused on economic cooperation, agriculture, health, and science.

The seven pillars Modi outlined form the acronym C-A-R-I-C-O-M. They include Capacity Building, Agriculture and Food Security, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, Innovation, Technology and Trade, Cricket and Culture, Ocean Economy, and Medicine and Healthcare. These areas aim to strengthen the partnership between India and CARICOM nations.

Focus on Trade and Technology

Modi suggested creating an online portal to connect private sectors across countries. This would promote the five Ts: trade, technology, tourism, talent, and tradition. He highlighted India's progress in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and stressed implementing a previously announced one million dollar grant for SME sectors.

During the summit, Modi also proposed establishing a forensic centre for the CARICOM region. He mentioned India's iGOT Karmayogi portal for civil servant capacity building. This portal offers online courses in technology, administration, law, and education. A similar initiative could benefit CARICOM countries.

International Cooperation

Guyana President Irfaan Ali expressed gratitude to India for providing vaccines during the COVID pandemic. He acknowledged India's influential role in the international community and its commitment to advancing Global South aspirations. Ali praised India's dedication to sustainable regional development amidst globalisation challenges.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) comprises 21 countries: 15 Member States and six Associate Members. It has around 16 million citizens from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Approximately 60% of its population is under 30 years old. According to the MEA, about 320,000 people of Indian origin reside in Guyana.

Recent Diplomatic Engagements

Before arriving in Guyana, Modi attended the G20 Summit in Brazil. There he met global leaders like US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Earlier, he visited Nigeria for bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and engaged with the Indian community there.

The last meeting between CARICOM Heads of Government and Modi occurred in 2019 at the UN General Assembly's 74th Session. They discussed renewable energy cooperation through a USD 150 million credit line from India. This ongoing dialogue underscores India's commitment to fostering strong ties with CARICOM nations.