External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has held discussions with Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister Chet Greene, with both leaders agreeing to expand cooperation across several important sectors, including healthcare, education, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and professional training. The meeting took place on Thursday during Jaishankar’s visit to the Caribbean nation for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Sharing details on social media platform X, Jaishankar said the discussions focused on strengthening existing partnerships through education, healthcare initiatives, business opportunities, and capacity-building programmes. The ministers also exchanged perspectives on the recently concluded Commonwealth summit.
Jaishankar received a warm welcome upon arriving in Antigua and Barbuda for the November 1–4 CHOGM gathering. Foreign Minister Greene and Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandes greeted him at the airport. The Indian minister expressed appreciation for their gesture and looked forward to his diplomatic engagements during the visit.
On Thursday, Jaishankar also met Governor General Rodney Williams and participated in an event with members of the Indian community. During the interaction, he acknowledged the diaspora’s valuable role in deepening connections between India and Antigua and Barbuda. He appreciated their efforts in maintaining cultural ties and strengthening relations between the two countries.
His Caribbean engagements also included a meeting with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali on the sidelines of CHOGM 2026. The two countries announced an extension of a $500 million line of credit to support Guyana’s public and defense infrastructure development.
Additionally, Jaishankar participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government and Business Leaders Breakfast Meeting. Addressing economic cooperation, he emphasized the importance of diversifying partnerships, reducing risks, and developing additional connectivity corridors to encourage business growth.
He also advocated greater investment in training and capacity-building initiatives, noting that these efforts could create more opportunities for Commonwealth partners. Jaishankar further described the Indian business community’s global presence as a valuable asset for the Commonwealth, highlighting its potential to strengthen economic partnerships and international cooperation.
