Context: Recently Indian Prime minister joined second India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana.
Second India-CARICOM Summit (November 20, 2024):
- Platform to strengthen ties between India and CARICOM (Caribbean Community) nations.
- First summit held in 2019 alongside the UNGA;
- In first summit India pledged $150 million for climate and renewable energy projects and $14 million for community development.
- A comprehensive ‘C-A-R-I-C-O-M framework’ was unveiled at the second CARICOM-India summit,
- ‘C-A-R-I-C-O-M framework’ aims to deepen India’s partnership with Caribbean countries.
| ‘C-A-R-I-C-O-M framework’ | |
| C – Capacity Building | Announced 1,000 IT scholarships for CARICOM students.Proposed a regional forensic center and expansion of Belize’s technology center for CARICOM nations. |
| A – Agriculture and Food Security | Shared advancements in agricultural technology, including drone usage.Promoted millet cultivation to enhance nutrition and food security. |
| R – Renewable Energy and Climate Change | Invited CARICOM nations to join global initiatives:International Solar Alliance (ISA).Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA). |
| I – Innovation and Technology | Proposed adapting India’s:UPI platform for digital payments.eMarketplace tools to enhance governance and economic growth. |
| C – Cricket and Culture | Announced 11 women’s cricket coaching scholarships per CARICOM country.Suggested cultural initiatives:Bollywood film festivals.Festivals of India in the Caribbean. |
| O – Ocean Economy and Maritime Security | Emphasized the Caribbean’s potential in the ocean economy.Proposed partnerships in maritime security to combat piracy and trafficking. |
| M – Medicines and Healthcare | Offered support for affordable medicines and telehealth services.Encouraged adopting the Indian Pharmacopeia for cost-effective healthcare solutions. |
CARICOM:
- The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a regional organization comprising 15 member states and five associate members in the Caribbean.
- Established in 1973 by the Treaty of Chaguaramas,
- CARICOM focuses on fostering economic integration, coordinating foreign policy, and promoting sustainable development across member states.
- CARICOM member states are:
- Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
- The community also includes Observer States.
| Milestones in India-CARICOM relations | |
| Guyana | During PM’s visit to Guyana—marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over five decades—India and Guyana signed 10 significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).Some of the key MoUs are:Hydrocarbons cooperation: Focuses on joint crude oil sourcing, natural gas projects, and infrastructure development.Agriculture: Promotes scientific collaboration to boost agricultural development.Healthcare: Agreements include recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia Regulations and implementation of the Janaushadhi Scheme to provide affordable medicines.Digital transformation: A partnership between NPCI International and Guyana facilitates a UPI-like digital payment system, enhancing financial transactions.Defense and security: Collaboration in research and training through institutions such as India’s Rashtriya Raksha University. |
| Trinidad and Tobago | India and Trinidad and Tobago held discussions centered on expanding bilateral cooperation in science, renewable energy, healthcare, and digital transformation. Trinidad and Tobago’s adoption of India’s UPI platform and the signing of an MoU on agro-processing marked key achievements. |
| Barbados | Meeting of the prime ministers of both India and Barbados highlighted collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and international platforms like the United Nations. |
| Dominica | Dominica and India held discussion on climate resilience, healthcare, and enhancing people-to-people connections. |
| Suriname | India’s engagement with President Chan Santokhi focused on expanding ties in trade, traditional medicine, defense, and technology, highlighting progress in bilateral relations. |
Significance of CARRIBEAN region for India:
- Strategic Location: Acts as a gateway to North and South American markets, enhancing trade opportunities.
- Diaspora Connection: Historical ties through a large Indian diaspora in countries like Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Suriname strengthen cultural and trade relations.
- Energy Cooperation: Potential for partnerships in hydrocarbon resources and renewable energy projects, supported by India’s role in the International Solar Alliance.
- Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals: Fertile agricultural land and growing demand in the Caribbean align with India’s expertise in agriculture and pharma.
- Digital Technology: Emerging markets in digital innovation offer opportunities for India’s IT and tech industries.
- Sustainable Growth: Collaboration in renewable energy ensures energy security for the region and promotes sustainable development.
- Trade and Investment: Agreements, such as MoUs with Guyana, deepen cooperation in hydrocarbons, agriculture, and digital sectors.
- Market Potential: Growing Caribbean markets provide avenues for Indian exports and investments, fostering mutual economic growth.
Mains practice question:
The India-CARICOM Summit reflects India’s commitment to empowering the Global South through partnerships in technology, capacity building, and sustainable development. Discuss the significance of the 7-pillar ‘C-A-R-I-C-O-M framework’ in deepening India-Caribbean relations and addressing shared challenges.
