As India continues to extend its influence across the Global South, the upcoming Second CARICOM-India Summit in Georgetown, Guyana, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, holds great significance. This summit, which follows the inaugural CARICOM-India summit held in 2019, serves as an important platform for deepening the relationship between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), an organization comprising 15 member states and 5 associate members. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in initiating such summit-level meetings reflects India’s growing commitment to engaging with the Global South, specifically in areas of mutual concern such as economic development, climate change, and security cooperation.
CARICOM: A Key Partner for India in the Global South
CARICOM plays a pivotal role in promoting political and economic integration within the Caribbean region. For India, strengthening ties with CARICOM is not only about fostering bilateral relationships but also enhancing multilateral collaboration within key global forums. This partnership has become even more important as both India and CARICOM share common goals of tackling pressing issues like climate change, sustainable development, and regional security.
India’s relationship with CARICOM has evolved steadily, built on a foundation of shared values, including democracy and development. Prime Minister Modi had first raised the profile of India’s engagement with CARICOM during the 2019 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, where he met CARICOM leaders and offered a commitment to strengthen ties. His announcement of a $14 million grant for community development and a $150 million Line of Credit (LoC) for renewable energy and climate-change projects emphasized India’s readiness to assist in the region’s sustainable growth.
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The second summit, held in Georgetown, will be a continuation of these efforts, bringing together heads of government and ministers from CARICOM member states to discuss areas of collaboration that benefit both India and the Caribbean.
Key Areas of Focus for the CARICOM-India Summit
Climate Change and Renewable Energy Cooperation
One of the most pressing challenges faced by the Caribbean region is climate change. The small island states of CARICOM are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, hurricanes, and other climate-induced disasters. India, as a leading advocate for climate action, has positioned itself as a key partner in addressing these concerns.
India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) are frameworks through which India aims to collaborate with CARICOM countries on renewable energy solutions and disaster resilience. At the summit, discussions will likely focus on increasing CARICOM’s access to affordable renewable energy technologies, as well as enhancing the region’s preparedness for natural disasters through joint projects and capacity-building initiatives.
In 2019, India had already extended a $140 million line of credit to CARICOM for solar energy projects, signalling a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The new summit could see further agreements in this area, fostering energy independence and climate resilience within CARICOM.
Trade and Economic Development
Trade cooperation remains a cornerstone of the CARICOM-India partnership. India, with its rapidly growing economy and diverse industries, presents substantial opportunities for CARICOM nations to expand their markets, particularly in sectors like information technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. The upcoming summit is expected to explore new avenues for trade and investment, helping CARICOM diversify its economic ties beyond its traditional partners in North America and Europe.
A notable aspect of India’s approach to economic engagement with CARICOM is the focus on capacity building. India’s expertise in areas like digital health, agriculture, and education is well-aligned with the needs of many CARICOM nations, which are seeking to modernize their economies and improve the living standards of their citizens.
Security Cooperation and Counterterrorism
As the Caribbean face’s challenges from transnational crime, piracy, and cyber threats, security cooperation will also feature prominently at the CARICOM-India Summit. India, which has vast experience in counterterrorism and border security, can offer valuable support to CARICOM countries in strengthening their defence and security infrastructure.
India has previously provided training, technology, and expertise to several CARICOM nations in areas such as maritime security, disaster management, and cybersecurity. In light of the growing concerns regarding illicit trade and organized crime, the summit could see new initiatives to enhance regional cooperation in security through joint exercises, technology sharing, and collaborative research.
People-to-People Ties and Cultural Exchange
Another key element of the India-CARICOM relationship is the cultural connection. With over a million-strong Indian diaspora in the Caribbean, there are deep cultural ties between India and the region. These bonds have paved the way for enhanced educational exchanges, people-to-people links, and cultural diplomacy. During the summit, India is expected to strengthen its support for educational programs, including scholarships and capacity-building initiatives, that can further empower the next generation of leaders in CARICOM nations.
India’s Role in CARICOM’s Vision for the Future
India’s growing engagement with CARICOM is part of its broader strategy of fostering South-South cooperation. Through partnerships with regional groups like CARICOM, India is working to promote inclusive growth, sustainable development, and regional stability across the Global South. As both India and CARICOM countries face similar challenges — such as climate change, sustainable development, and geopolitical instability — their collaboration offers a pathway to greater resilience in the face of emerging global threats.
India’s leadership in areas like renewable energy, disaster resilience, and technology-driven security will be central to the discussions, helping CARICOM countries address their most pressing challenges while fostering economic and cultural ties that span centuries.
A Strategic Partnership for Global South
The Second CARICOM-India Summit is a significant step in building a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership between India and the Caribbean. With a shared vision for addressing climate change, strengthening security cooperation, and boosting economic development, this summit offers a platform to lay the groundwork for a more integrated, resilient, and prosperous future for both India and the Caribbean nations. Through this summit, India reaffirms its commitment to its Caribbean partners and strengthens its position as a leader in the Global South, driving collaboration for a sustainable future.