India is cementing its role as a key development partner for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with a comprehensive seven-point agenda focused on capacity building, agriculture, renewable energy, trade, and cultural ties. This ambitious plan, outlined by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was unveiled during the Second CARICOM-India Summit, held on Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana.
The plan prioritizes tailored initiatives that align with CARICOM’s development needs. This will therefore see the expansion of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) to include 1,000 additional participants from CARICOM over the next five years. This programme will enhance technical training and skill development across member states.
A state-of-the-art forensic centre and an online training platform modeled after India’s Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) portal are also proposed to boost civil service expertise in technology, law, and education.
Leveraging advanced technologies such as soil testing and drones, India aims to revolutionize CARICOM’s agriculture sector. These innovations will help the region address its food security challenges while promoting sustainable farming practices.
India will also assist in bolstering the region’s renewable energy capacity and maritime infrastructure. Proposals include providing passenger and cargo ferries, along with support for maritime domain mapping and hydrography, to improve transportation, trade, and regional connectivity.
With a focus on strengthening healthcare systems, India will offer expertise in medicine, traditional healthcare practices, and pharmaceutical innovations to enhance the region’s medical capabilities.
Recognizing cricket as a shared passion, India proposed training programmes for 11 female cricketers from each CARICOM nation to promote sports and female empowerment. Cultural ties will also be deepened through such initiatives.
India also plans to share its democratic experience by providing training for CARICOM parliamentarians, fostering institutional development and governance in the region.
Additionally, India emphasized the importance of trade partnerships, offering collaboration in areas like digitization and precision technology to modernize key sectors across CARICOM nations.
