India is bolstering its diplomatic presence in the international scene with the Union Cabinet approving the establishment of 3 Indian Missions in Estonia, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic in 2021. This move aims to create a conducive environment for India’s growth and development through strengthening ties with these respective countries.
Objective and Expected Benefits
The primary goal of this move is to foster an environment that promotes India’s continuous growth and development. It seeks to accomplish this by partnering with friendly nations, strengthening political relations, promoting bilateral trade, investment, and economic engagements.
It is anticipated that opening missions in these countries will expand India’s diplomatic footprint and facilitate stronger people-to-people contacts. A heightened diplomatic presence also paves the way for increased market access for Indian companies, thereby boosting exports of goods and services. These developments are expected to directly impact domestic production and employment, aligning with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India.
Relations with Estonia
Estonia, the northernmost of the Baltic states, welcomed this decision, recognizing it as a potential strengthener of ties in trade and cybersecurity. Estonian-Indian relationships date back to 2013 when Estonia set up its embassy in Delhi. The two nations will serve together in the Security Council next year, and there is significant room for enhanced economic engagement in information technology, cybersecurity, e-governance, and blockchain. Total bilateral trade in 2018-19 saw an increase of 22.5% from 2017-18, amounting to 172.53 USD million.
Relations with Paraguay
A landlocked country in south-central South America, Paraguay, established its mission in Delhi in 2006. It holds strategic importance due to its membership in MERCOSUR, a regional integration process involving South American nations. India and Paraguay have maintained a preferential trade agreement with MERCOSUR. The bilateral trade in 2018-19 saw India’s exports to Paraguay valued at USD 161 million, while Paraguay’s exports to India were estimated at USD 21 million. Soybean oil forms over 90% of Paraguay’s exports to India.
Relations with the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean Sea, has maintained its mission in Delhi since 2006. The bilateral trade between the two countries stands at around USD 120 million, with the main items of export from India being cotton textiles and readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, furniture, transport equipment, manufactured metals, chemicals, plastic and linoleum products, tea, processed foods, and marine products.
Overall, the opening of these missions signifies a strategic move by India to enhance its international relations and lay the groundwork for mutual growth and development.
