Guyana (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who co-chaired the second India-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit in Guyana, unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing cooperation between India and the Caribbean. The summit focused on expanding bilateral ties and addressing the shared needs of the Global South. Modi highlighted seven key pillars, encapsulated in the acronym C-A-R-I-C-O-M, which lay the foundation for future collaboration between India and CARICOM countries. In his address, Modi emphasized the importance of capacity building, innovation, renewable energy, and the development of critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and maritime security. According to him, these pillars reflect India’s commitment to empowering Caribbean nations through the transfer of knowledge, resources, and technology.
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Capacity Building and Information Technology
The first pillar, Capacity Building, is centered on enhancing the region’s skill sets and institutional frameworks. Modi proposed the establishment of 1,000 information technology scholarships for Caribbean students, alongside an expanded technology center in Belize to accommodate all CARICOM members. These initiatives aim to equip the workforce with cutting-edge digital skills, ensuring long-term growth and development. Additionally, the proposal to set up a forensic science center and civil servant training programs online reflects India’s determination to strengthen administrative capacities across the Caribbean.
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Agriculture and Food Security
The second pillar, Agriculture and Food Security, focuses on addressing the region’s pressing issues related to food security and sustainable agricultural practices. Modi outlined India’s expertise in agricultural technology, particularly the use of drones for precision farming, which could be beneficial to CARICOM nations. He also highlighted India’s promotion of millet cultivation, a highly nutritious and sustainable crop, as a potential solution to enhance food security in the Caribbean.
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Renewable Energy and Climate Change
The Renewable Energy and Climate Change pillar underscores the urgent need for the Caribbean region to transition to sustainable energy sources and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Modi invited CARICOM countries to join several of India’s major climate initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Mission Life for Sustainable Lifestyles, and the Global Biofuel Alliance. These collaborations would help harness renewable energy resources while building climate-resilient infrastructure throughout the region.
Innovation, technology, and digital payments
Innovation and technology form the fourth pillar, with India offering its technological expertise to drive economic and social progress in the Caribbean. India’s advancements in digital infrastructure, such as the Universal Payment Interface (UPI) and eMarketplace, present a unique opportunity for CARICOM countries to modernize their digital economies. Modi suggested that CARICOM nations could adopt the UPI system, revolutionizing digital payments and enhancing financial inclusion in the region.
Cricket, culture, and Bollywood
The fifth pillar, Cricket and Culture, emphasizes the role of sports and cultural exchange in fostering people-to-people ties between India and the Caribbean. Modi proposed the introduction of 11 scholarships for women in each CARICOM nation to coach cricket, promoting women’s empowerment through sports. He also suggested organizing Festivals of India and Bollywood film festivals, capitalizing on the immense popularity of Indian cinema in the region.
Ocean Economy and Maritime Security
The Ocean Economy and Maritime Security pillar highlights the potential of the Caribbean as a maritime hub. Modi described Caribbean nations not as small island states but as large ocean economies, rich in resources. He proposed enhancing connectivity through cargo ships and ferries while also strengthening maritime security cooperation to combat piracy, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
Medicines and healthcare
The final pillar, Medicines and Healthcare, reflects India’s commitment to improving the health systems of CARICOM countries. Modi pointed to India’s success in providing affordable healthcare through initiatives like the Janaushadi Scheme, which offers low-cost medicines. He also suggested establishing similar centers in the Caribbean and expanding access to cutting-edge medical technology, such as telehealth and cancer treatment machines. The adoption of the Indian Pharmacopoeia by CARICOM countries could further enhance the accessibility of affordable medicines across the region.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
In addition to outlining these key pillars, India and Guyana signed 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering areas such as health, agriculture, hydrocarbons, and banking. Notably, the MoU on cooperation in hydrocarbons aims to harness Guyana’s vast reserves, which are yet to be fully exploited for export. The MoUs are designed to foster deeper cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors. Furthermore, India’s approach to its relationship with CARICOM countries is rooted in shared experiences, aspirations, and the overarching goals of the Global South. Modi reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to promoting the priorities of the Global South, particularly in areas such as sustainable development, innovation, and mutual support. To facilitate further economic collaboration, Modi proposed the establishment of an online portal connecting the private sectors and stakeholders of India and CARICOM nations. This platform will promote the five Ts, trade, technology, tourism, talent, and tradition, creating new opportunities for cooperation in these vital areas.
The Path Forward
The India-CARICOM partnership represents a significant shift toward closer collaboration between India and the Caribbean. With over 320,000 people of Indian origin residing in Guyana, the bond between the two regions is especially strong. As CARICOM heads of government look to deepen their ties with India, the outcomes of this summit signal a new era of cooperation, built on shared values, mutual respect, and collective progress for the Global South. As India continues to emerge as a leader in international diplomacy, its engagement with CARICOM countries will play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for the Caribbean and beyond.
