India-Suriname held 7th Joint Commission Meeting

The Ministry of External Affairs recently held the 7th India-Suriname Joint Commission Meeting virtually on December 2, 2020.

Highlights

  • In the meeting, both the countries discussed the significance of the mechanism to review their bilateral ties.
  • They also discussed ways to deepen the political dialogue.
  • The countries also exchanged their views on multilateral and regional cooperation.
  • Both the countries noted their satisfaction over the relations between India and Suriname. Both the countries are historically and culturally associated.
  • The next Joint Commission Meeting will be held at Paramaribo in the year 2022.

7th India-Suriname Joint Commission Meeting

  • The ministers from both the countries, agreed to add new momentum to the relations in the fields of Business and Investment.
  • They further agreed to enhance the cooperation in the fields of health, Traditional System of Medicines, creative establishments, Agriculture, Mining, Consular Cooperation, Defence and Development Partnership, Culture, Education and people to people ties.
  • Both the countries discussed the significance of developmental projects under the concessional conditions by providing the Line of Credits.
  • During the meeting, India’s development partnership with Suriname was also acknowledged. The development projects include sectors like general supply and water supply, power generation and transmission network.
  • Countries also had a discussion over pipeline projects. The project aims to contribute to the energy security, energy efficiency and the energy mix of Suriname.
  • Both sides highlighted their commitment of providing the mutual support at the international forums like which reforms of the United Nations Security Council.

India-Suriname Relations

India and Suriname had established their diplomatic relations in the year 1976 . In 1997, India opened its embassy in Paramaribo. Suriname established its embassy in New Delhi in the year 2000. The bilateral trade between both the nations stands at $228.49 million. India exports aluminium, wood and electrical machinery from Suriname while it exports iron, steel, machinery, boilers, electrical machinery, sound recorders, tea, vehicles and  textiles to Suriname. Suriname had also supported India’s candidature for permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.