Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit in Georgetown during his visit to Guyana, emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Caribbean nations. Their discussions reflect a historically cordial relationship since 1981, with significant cooperation in development, healthcare, and cultural exchanges. The ongoing projects exemplify the collaborative spirit between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in bilateral discussions with Roosevelt Skerrit, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, during his visit to Georgetown, Guyana. This meeting marks a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration with Caribbean nations. The historical relationship between India and Dominica, which dates back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1981, has remained strong despite the absence of a Dominica diplomatic mission in India.
The mutual cooperation between the two countries has been evidenced by various high-level interactions, including a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Skerrit during the India-CARICOM Leaders’ Meeting in New York in September 2019. Additionally, significant communication occurred between India’s Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and Dominica’s Foreign Minister, Kenneth Darroux, during the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing the commitment to addressing common challenges.
India has actively supported Dominica’s development through initiatives like the India-UNDP Project in Kalinago, which received a $1 million grant to enhance livelihood sustainability. Furthermore, India’s commitment to Dominica continued in 2024 with an additional $1 million allocated for the Community Resilience Project. The Vaccine Maitri initiative illustrates India’s ongoing support, having supplied 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses, personally received by Prime Minister Skerrit in February 2021.
Culturally, the Indian diaspora in Dominica comprises approximately 500 individuals, contributing to various sectors, notably retail and medicine, which strengthens the people-to-people connections fostering bilateral relations. The enduring partnership between India and Dominica reflects a commitment to cooperation, development, and mutual assistance.
The engagement between India and the Commonwealth of Dominica occupies a significant place in the broader context of India’s diplomatic outreach in the Caribbean. Establishing formal relations in 1981, the two nations have cultivated a cordial rapport marked by high-level dialogues and developmental support. India’s proactive role in facilitating healthcare and sustainable projects signifies a strategic partnership aimed at fostering long-term cooperation. Given the shared interests, particularly in addressing global challenges, this relationship continues to evolve through various collaborative efforts.
The bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Skerrit underscore a robust partnership between India and the Commonwealth of Dominica. With a shared history of diplomatic relations and a commitment to mutual development, both nations have demonstrated a proactive approach towards addressing challenges and strengthening ties. The multifaceted support from India further highlights the significance of this relationship in fostering cooperation and cultural exchange.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
