Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in Georgetown, Guyana, to foster bilateral relations. The meeting reflects India’s ongoing engagement with Caribbean nations, building on historical ties established since 1981. Key discussions highlighted India’s development support to Dominica through various projects, including COVID-19 vaccine donations and community resilience initiatives.
On his visit to Georgetown, Guyana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in bilateral discussions with Roosevelt Skerrit, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica. This meeting underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with Caribbean nations. Historically, India and Dominica have nurtured friendly ties since establishing diplomatic relations in 1981, despite the absence of a Dominica diplomatic mission in India, as it is accredited through the mission in Port of Spain.
The relationship has been highlighted by several high-level exchanges, notably the interactions between Prime Ministers Modi and Skerrit at the India-CARICOM Leaders’ Meeting in September 2019. Moreover, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, engaged with Dominica’s Foreign Minister Kenneth Darroux in talks to address the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, Dominica’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Vince Henderson, was actively involved in various significant events, demonstrating the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
India’s support for Dominica’s development is evident through initiatives like the India-UNDP Project in Kalinago, launched in February 2021 with a $1 million grant aimed at enhancing livelihoods and resilience in the community. In 2024, India pledged an additional $1 million for the project’s second phase. The Vaccine Maitri initiative further illustrated India’s support, donating 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Dominica, personally received by Prime Minister Skerrit. Additionally, India contributed medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic and aid for public hospitals in previous years.
The Indian community in Dominica includes around 70 individuals involved in retail and medical services, particularly in Ross Medical University, with approximately 500 people of Indian heritage residing on the island, which bolsters the cultural ties between the two countries.
The bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica serve to reinforce India’s strategic outreach to Caribbean nations. Diplomatic relations between India and Dominica date back to 1981, showcasing a longstanding bond characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. Over the years, both countries have engaged in various exchanges and collaborative projects aimed at addressing developmental challenges and strengthening cultural connections. India’s commitment to providing development assistance and support, particularly amidst global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, signifies the deepening friendship and shared objectives between the two nations.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s discussions with Prime Minister Skerrit reflect a robust commitment to enhancing Indo-Dominican relations, marked by developmental aid and strategic cooperation. The ongoing engagement through high-level dialogues, humanitarian assistance, and cultural ties reinforces the bond between India and Dominica. As both nations navigate the future, their partnership is poised to grow, contributing to mutual benefits and regional stability.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
