India is seeking to expand its engagement with Caribbean nations by prioritizing economic cooperation, digital connectivity and mobility partnerships, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said during the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York on Wednesday.
The discussion took place alongside the high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly, bringing India together with representatives of the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM. Jaishankar highlighted the historical connections between India and Caribbean countries, noting that both regions share common development concerns and opportunities for collaboration.
In a post on X, the minister said India had emphasized the importance of advancing cooperation across several strategic sectors. He also encouraged CARICOM members to explore participation in the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance, reflecting India’s efforts to promote renewable energy partnerships in the region.
Jaishankar also reviewed India’s development initiatives across Caribbean countries. He said several committed small and medium enterprise projects and Quick Impact Projects had been completed, while other initiatives were still progressing. India’s assistance has included limb-fitting camps, donated haemodialysis equipment and compact BHISHM Cube medical units designed to support emergency healthcare needs.
The minister further urged CARICOM nations to utilize training opportunities offered by India. He added that customized programs could be developed to address specific areas of interest identified by partner countries.
During his diplomatic engagements in New York, Jaishankar also held discussions with foreign ministers from several European nations. His meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen included an exchange of views on the Ukraine conflict and a review of commitments emerging from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands earlier in the year.
With Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, Jaishankar discussed geopolitical developments and technology-related challenges. He said India’s bilateral relationship with Finland, along with cooperation within the European Union, remained strong.
His talks with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer focused on trade and investment opportunities as India and the European Union move toward implementing their proposed free trade agreement. Discussions covered energy, manufacturing, digital development, connectivity, defense and multilateral cooperation.
Jaishankar also met Andorra’s Foreign Minister Imma Tor Faus to discuss trade, investment, climate change, artificial intelligence and global collaboration, underscoring India’s broader diplomatic engagement across economic and strategic priorities.
