Earlier in October 2024, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, visited several CARICOM nations
The India-CARICOM partnership has taken a significant leap forward with the successful completion of the Second India-CARICOM Joint Commission Meeting, held virtually on Wednesday (November 6, 2024). Co-chaired by Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Barbara Dailey, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dominica, this meeting brought together officials from the CARICOM Secretariat, member states, and various Indian ministries. The agenda was wide-ranging, covering areas critical to both sides, from economic cooperation and renewable energy to technology and cultural exchange.

As India continues to expand its global partnerships, the meeting underscored the country’s commitment to the Caribbean region, which comprises 15 CARICOM (Caribbean Community) member states. This collaboration is part of India’s broader engagement strategy with the Global South, with a particular focus on shared developmental goals, resilience-building, and mutual economic prosperity.

The meeting of the Joint Commission provided an in-depth review of India-CARICOM relations, particularly on trade, education, and healthcare, along with newer domains like climate resilience and disaster management. India’s strategic focus on building robust partnerships with the Caribbean aligns with its commitment to supporting the region's economic and social development.

Economic and Commercial Cooperation: Discussions centered on enhancing trade, investments, and capacity building. Recognizing the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), India has previously proposed grants for supporting CARICOM’s SMEs, with financial backing and technical expertise available to help expand their market capabilities. 

Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Development: Both parties emphasized renewable energy as a priority area. India, a recognized leader in solar and renewable energy, is committed to assisting CARICOM’s energy transition, essential for reducing carbon footprints and promoting climate resilience. This cooperation will not only empower CARICOM nations in their sustainable development journey but also fortify India’s standing as a responsible global partner in the fight against climate change.

Expanding High-Level Engagements and Development Cooperation: The Joint Commission Meeting follows an increase in high-level interactions between India and CARICOM. A recent example includes the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministerial Meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 27, 2024. 

Earlier in October 2024, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita visited several CARICOM nations, including Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda, fostering high-level dialogues and discussing mutual challenges. India’s engagements aim to institutionalize its relationship with CARICOM, with concrete policy frameworks and collaborative projects.

The Strategic Importance of CARICOM for India
CARICOM represents a united voice in the Caribbean, enabling India to foster cooperative relationships with the entire region. Strengthening ties with CARICOM also supports India's geopolitical objectives by establishing a cooperative network across strategic locations. For CARICOM, India’s support offers substantial growth opportunities in areas such as ICT, education, and health infrastructure.

Furthermore, India’s assistance to CARICOM aligns with the "Voice of the Global South" initiative, championed during India's G20 presidency. Through this initiative, India aims to represent the interests of countries that lack a platform in major international forums like the G20.
The India-CARICOM partnership also emphasizes people-to-people exchanges and cultural collaboration. 

The diaspora’s role has been instrumental in bridging ties, as the Caribbean is home to a sizable Indian-origin population. Cultural initiatives and capacity-building programs, such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, have created enduring links between the two regions. 

Future Directions and Joint Initiatives
Moving forward, India and CARICOM have identified several areas for enhanced collaboration:
Educational and Technological Exchange: Both sides have acknowledged the potential for growth in human resource development, and India plans to extend digital public infrastructure assistance, leveraging its expertise in digital technology for governance, education, and healthcare.
Climate Change and Disaster Management: Given the Caribbean’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, the discussions also focused on climate adaptation and disaster resilience. India’s experience and technological support in disaster management will prove crucial in building climate-resilient infrastructure across the Caribbean.
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: The COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted the need for accessible healthcare. India’s proposal to create a regional hub for low-cost generics sourced from its USFDA-approved pharmaceutical plants was discussed as a potential solution to health security issues in CARICOM.

India and CARICOM’s shared commitment to high-level dialogues, developmental cooperation, and mutual respect forms the foundation for a productive and sustainable partnership. The India-CARICOM Joint Commission Meeting reinforced both sides' dedication to addressing common challenges and leveraging opportunities for growth, especially in renewable energy, healthcare, and economic development.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his upcoming visit to Guyana, this engagement is expected to further cement the relationship between India and CARICOM, paving the way for a collaborative future rooted in resilience and shared values. Through consistent support and innovative cooperation, India and CARICOM are well-positioned to tackle global issues collectively, fostering sustainable development and economic stability for both regions.