Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Guyana for the second India-CARICOM Summit marked a historic milestone in India’s outreach to the Caribbean region. This was the first visit by an Indian head of state to Guyana in over 50 years, signifying the deepening engagement between India and the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The summit held on November 20, 2024, focused on fostering partnerships across critical areas such as trade, agriculture, health, technology and climate action. PM Modi proposed a seven-pillar framework to strengthen these ties, emphasizing collaboration on economic growth, food security, science and innovation. He also suggested creating an online portal to connect private stakeholders and promote the five Ts—trade, technology, tourism, talent and tradition.
India’s contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic were a focal point of appreciation. Guyana’s President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali acknowledged India’s pivotal role in delivering the first vaccine doses to the region, calling it a “selfless act.” The leaders reviewed bilateral projects in skill development, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy, with Guyana’s support for global Indian initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance standing out.
A highlight of the summit was Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s announcement to confer PM Modi with the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados Award for his leadership during the pandemic and dedication to India-Barbados relations. The award will be presented on November 30, further cementing India’s ties with the region.
PM Modi also engaged in fruitful discussions with leaders of the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Lucia. Each meeting focused on exploring partnerships in areas ranging from digital transformation and maritime security to education, healthcare and cultural exchange. Of particular note was Trinidad and Tobago’s adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a move hailed as a step towards digital inclusivity in the region.
Climate resilience and sustainability remained key topics throughout the summit. The Caribbean leaders supported India’s climate initiatives and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in mitigating the impact of climate change on vulnerable nations.
As India and CARICOM work together to implement the seven-pillar framework, the summit underscores the growing importance of South-South cooperation. With over 3,20,000 people of Indian origin living in Guyana alone, the ties between India and the Caribbean region extend beyond diplomacy to shared history, culture and aspirations for a sustainable future.
PM Modi’s visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to being a reliable partner for CARICOM, paving the way for stronger ties and collective progress across the Atlantic.
