PM Modi unveils seven-pillar plan for India-CARICOM Cooperation at summit

PM Modi receives appreciation from CARICOM leaders for India’s “selfless” assistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, co-chairing the India-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit, outlined a comprehensive seven-pillar action plan aimed at strengthening ties between India and the Caribbean. The pillars, encapsulated in the acronym C-A-R-I-C-O-M, focus on key areas of mutual interest including capacity building, agriculture, renewable energy, innovation, culture, ocean economy, and healthcare. The Prime Minister’s remarks on Wednesday emphasized India’s commitment to sharing resources, expertise, and technology with CARICOM nations, underscoring India’s leadership in supporting the Global South.

During his address, PM Modi highlighted the progress made since the first summit five years ago and stressed the importance of India’s support to the Caribbean in areas critical to development.

PM Modi received appreciation from CARICOM leaders for India’s “selfless” assistance and its role in advancing the interests of the Global South.

The Seven Pillars of India-CARICOM Cooperation

C – Capacity Building

Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s commitment to capacity building in the region, announcing the provision of 1,000 information technology scholarships for CARICOM nations. He also proposed expanding India’s ongoing initiative to establish a technology centre in Belize, making it accessible to all CARICOM members. Additionally, PM Modi suggested setting up a forensic centre for the region and offering online training for civil servants.

A – Agriculture and Food Security

India’s advancements in agricultural technology are poised to benefit CARICOM nations, PM Modi noted. He highlighted India’s experience with drone technology for agricultural monitoring and expressed readiness to promote the cultivation of millets, which can enhance nutrition in the Caribbean. This initiative aligns with India’s efforts to share knowledge on sustainable farming practices.

R – Renewable Energy and Climate Change

Addressing the urgent need for sustainable solutions, PM Modi invited CARICOM countries to participate in India’s flagship environmental initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE for Sustainable Lifestyles, and the Global Biofuel Alliance. These initiatives aim to tackle climate change and promote renewable energy across the Global South.

I – Innovation and Technology

India’s technological infrastructure has revolutionized the way services are delivered to citizens and businesses, PM Modi explained. He highlighted India’s Digital Stack, which has transformed public services, and suggested that CARICOM nations could benefit from India’s Universal Payment Interface (UPI) for digital payments. The eMarketplace initiative, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises in India, was also offered as a model for CARICOM countries to promote local businesses.

C – Cricket and Culture

Recognizing the cultural and social importance of cricket in the Caribbean, PM Modi proposed using the sport as a platform for women’s empowerment. He announced that India would provide 11 scholarships to each CARICOM nation for coaching women in cricket. In addition, he suggested promoting cultural exchanges and Festivals of India in the Caribbean, as well as organizing Bollywood film festivals to celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage.

O – Ocean Economy and Maritime Security

PM Modi stressed that India views CARICOM nations not just as small island states, but as large ocean countries with significant resources. He proposed expanding ocean economy cooperation, including building connectivity in the region through cargo ships and ferries. On maritime security, he highlighted the shared need to address challenges such as piracy, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, areas where India could offer its expertise and support.

M – Medicines and Healthcare

India has long been a global leader in providing affordable medicines, and PM Modi underscored the country’s commitment to supporting the healthcare needs of CARICOM nations. He highlighted India’s Janaushadi scheme, which provides low-cost medicines, and offered to help CARICOM countries set up similar generic medicine centres. He also discussed the potential for India’s telehealth technologies and advanced cancer treatment machines to improve healthcare services across the region. PM Modi proposed that the adoption of the Indian Pharmacopeia by CARICOM countries would help reduce the cost of essential medicines.

A Vision for the Future

The Prime Minister’s address at the summit emphasized the long-standing relationship between India and the Caribbean, with a vision for continued collaboration across multiple sectors. By focusing on areas like education, renewable energy, healthcare, and cultural exchange, India aims to bolster its ties with the Caribbean and contribute to the region’s sustainable development. As both sides work towards the implementation of these seven key pillars, PM Modi’s leadership is poised to further elevate India’s role as a pivotal partner in the Global South.

In closing, Prime Minister Modi expressed his confidence that the India-CARICOM cooperation would pave the way for a stronger, more resilient partnership that benefits both India and the Caribbean nations in the years to come.

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