India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have long shared a warm and historic relationship. A significant leap in their ties was observed at the meeting of the Indian Prime Minister with leaders from 14 Caribbean nations on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This meeting highlighted the steadily deepening and intensifying relations between India and the Caribbean, not only bilaterally but also in the regional context.
Financial Aid Extended by India
India has played a significant role in helping the Caribbean nations recover from devastating losses. To alleviate the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian in the region, India promptly offered financial assistance worth USD 1 million, particularly focusing on the worst-hit Bahamas island.
India’s Contribution to Community Development and Climate Initiatives
Taking a significant stance on community development and environmental issues, India announced a generous grant of USD 14 million for community development projects within the CARICOM countries. Further, it extended another substantial Line of Credit worth 150 million for projects related to solar energy, renewable energy, and climate change. These initiatives reflect India’s firm commitment to fostering sustainable growth and climate resilience in the Caribbean region.
A Brief Overview of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Formed in 1973, the Caribbean Community or CARICOM is an organization comprising 15 member countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago. The leadership of the community rotates among the member countries every six months. The inherent aim of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy is to provide its people with better and more abundant opportunities to produce and sell goods and services while attracting investment.
India’s Investment in Information Technology for CARICOM
| Project Name | Funded by | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information technology and communication infrastructure, computer software and community studio at the CARICOM Secretariat | Indian Government | US$ 1.166 Million | 2005-2006 |
Before the concluding section, it is worth mentioning that India has been instrumental in advancing the IT infrastructure of the CARICOM. The Indian Government funded a project worth US$ 1.166 million in 2005-2006. This project comprised IT and communication infrastructure, computer software, and a community studio at the CARICOM Secretariat.
Sources of Information
The information for this article has been sourced from credible places such as Press Information Bureau (PIB). The data has been thoroughly checked for accuracy to ensure that the content provides an authentic overview of the relations between India and the Caribbean countries under CARICOM.