Jaishankar Calls for Deeper India-CARICOM Economic and Digital Ties
At the UNGA sidelines, the External Affairs Minister highlights development partnerships, clean energy initiatives and capacity-building support for Caribbean nations
NEW YORK, Sep 24: India and Caribbean nations should strengthen cooperation in economic, digital and mobility sectors, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday as he participated in the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the sidelines of the high-level UN General Assembly session.
Jaishankar highlighted the close ties between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), rooted in shared history and common development challenges. He said India had supported solar energy initiatives in the region and encouraged CARICOM members to join the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
India has also completed several committed small and medium enterprise projects and Quick Impact Projects across Caribbean countries, while others are currently under implementation, Jaishankar said in a post on X.
He outlined India’s healthcare assistance to CARICOM partners, including limb-fitment camps, haemodialysis units and compact BHISHM Cube medical facilities. He also encouraged Caribbean countries to make greater use of training slots offered by India and said New Delhi was ready to provide customised programmes based on their specific requirements.
During his engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar also held separate meetings with foreign ministers from several European countries.
In talks with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, he exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and reviewed the progress of commitments arising from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands earlier this year.
Jaishankar’s meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen focused on geopolitical developments and emerging technology-related challenges. He said India-Finland bilateral relations and cooperation within the European Union continued to remain strong.
With Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer, Jaishankar discussed trade and investment prospects linked to the India-EU free trade agreement, along with cooperation in energy, manufacturing, digital technology, connectivity, defence and multilateral affairs.
Jaishankar also met Andorra’s Foreign Minister Imma Tor Faus. Their discussions covered trade and investment, climate change, artificial intelligence and cooperation in multilateral forums.
