INDIA-CARICOM : INTERNATIONAL RELATION

NEWS: PM Modi proposes 7 key pillars to strengthen ties between India, ‘CARICOM’

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

PM Modi proposed cooperation in capacity building, agriculture, renewable energy, innovation, culture, ocean economy, and healthcare to strengthen India-CARICOM ties.

India-CARICOM Seven-Pillar Framework

Capacity Building

  • India to provide training programs and skill development opportunities for CARICOM nations.
  • Focus on education and human resource development to empower the Caribbean workforce.

Agriculture and Food Security

  • Sharing advanced agricultural technologies and practices to enhance productivity.
  • Collaborating on ensuring food security and sustainable farming practices in the region.

Renewable Energy and Climate Change

  • Joint efforts in promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.
  • Addressing the challenges posed by climate change through sustainable development and mitigation strategies.

Innovation, Technology, and Trade

  • Strengthening bilateral trade relations between India and CARICOM countries.
  • Encouraging the adoption of innovative technologies and fostering trade partnerships in diverse sectors.

Cricket and Culture

  • Promoting cricket as a unifying sport and a cultural bridge between India and the Caribbean.
  • Enhancing cultural exchanges and celebrating shared heritage.

Ocean Economy

  • Utilizing marine resources for economic growth and development in the Caribbean region.
  • Sharing India's expertise in fisheries, marine biotechnology, and sustainable ocean management.

Medicine and Healthcare

  • Strengthening healthcare infrastructure in CARICOM countries through Indian support.
  • Facilitating access to affordable medicines, medical technology, and telemedicine services.

 

CARICOM:

Establishment:

  • Formed in 1973 through the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Membership:

  • 15 full members: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
  • 5 associate members: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
  • 8 observers: Including nations like Mexico and Venezuela.

Purpose:

  • Economic integration, coordination of foreign policy, human and social development, and regional security.

Economic Goals:

  • Advocates for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) to enable free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.

Focus Areas:

  • Agriculture, health, education, tourism, climate change mitigation, and disaster management.

Headquarters: Located in Georgetown, Guyana.