Prime Minister Modi highlights the need for reforms in global institutions to address contemporary challenges effectively
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, co-chaired the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana, on November 20, 2024. This high-level meeting marked a significant milestone in bolstering ties between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Deepening Relations with CARICOM
In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Irfaan Ali of Guyana for hosting the summit and appreciated the participation of CARICOM leaders. He underscored the strong foundation of India-CARICOM relations, built on shared histories, present needs, and future aspirations.

"India is fully committed to elevating its partnership with CARICOM nations," he stated. "Our collaboration reflects the concerns and priorities of the Global South, emphasizing solidarity and mutual growth."

Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the need for reforms in global institutions to address contemporary challenges effectively. He emphasised India’s role as a voice for the Global South, advocating for its priorities during the G20 presidency and at the recent summit in Brazil.

Seven Key Areas of Partnership
To reinforce the partnership, Prime Minister Modi proposed a Seven-Point Plan tailored to CARICOM’s unique challenges and opportunities, corresponding to the acronym "CARICOM":
C: Capacity Building – India announced 1,000 additional ITEC slots for CARICOM nations over the next five years to enhance skills and knowledge sharing.
A: Agriculture and Food Security – Leveraging technology, India offered expertise in drones, digital farming, and soil testing. India also proposed converting Sargassum seaweed, a major challenge for Caribbean tourism, into fertilizer.
R: Renewable Energy and Climate Change – India invited CARICOM members to join global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
I: Innovation, Technology, and Trade – To enhance public service delivery, India offered its Digital Public Infrastructure, including Digi Locker and UPI models.
C: Cricket and Culture – In a nod to shared cultural and sporting ties, India announced training for 11 young women cricketers from each CARICOM nation and proposed "Days of Indian Culture" in 2025.
O: Ocean Economy and Maritime Security – India pledged support for maritime domain mapping and hydrography in the Caribbean Sea.
M: Medicine and Healthcare – India offered its affordable healthcare model, including generic medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and announced plans to send Yoga experts to promote health and well-being.

India a Reliable Partner for CARICOM Countries
Acknowledging the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in the region, Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s deep sympathies and reaffirmed its steadfast commitment as a reliable partner for CARICOM countries. He emphasized that India’s development cooperation is driven by the specific needs and priorities of its partners.

The Prime Minister also urged the global community to prioritize the concerns of the Global South, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and reiterated India’s commitment to climate justice.

The Summit concluded with CARICOM leaders welcoming India’s Seven-Point Plan and lauding its leadership in the Global South. They expressed enthusiasm for working closely with India on reforming global institutions and addressing shared challenges.

Prime Minister Modi proposed hosting the 3rd India-CARICOM Summit in India, signaling a continued commitment to strengthening ties.

The summit saw the participation of several key CARICOM leaders, including:
President of Dominica Sylvanie Burton
Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit
President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi
Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago Keith Rowley
Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley

Prime Minister Modi extended his heartfelt thanks to President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, and the CARICOM Secretariat for the successful organization of the Summit.

During his visit to Guyana, Prime Minister Modi was honored with a dinner hosted by Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The event featured vibrant cultural performances by members of the Guyanese community, showcasing the rich heritage of the nation. In a warm gesture, Guyana rolled out the red carpet for PM Modi, making the visit a historic milestone. 

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister received a ceremonial welcome in Georgetown, with photos shared on his social media account on X capturing the memorable moments.

In his address, President Irfaan Ali highlighted the significant accomplishments of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, emphasizing the strong bonds between India and the Caribbean nations. "We hold India as a member of this CARICOM family," he remarked.

The 2nd India-CARICOM Summit reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its partnership with CARICOM nations. By addressing critical areas such as capacity building, climate change, and healthcare, and through collaborative efforts, the Summit has set the stage for a new era of cooperation.

With a focus on shared values and mutual growth, India and CARICOM are poised to achieve new milestones in their partnership, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for their people.