Prime Minister Modi met with Dominica’s Prime Minister Skerrit in Georgetown, enhancing bilateral ties. The nations have maintained friendly relations since 1981, with India’s support evident through various development initiatives, including a $1 million community project and vaccine donations. Approximately 500 people of Indian origin in Dominica help strengthen these ties further.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, during his visit to Georgetown, Guyana. This meeting was part of India’s broader initiative to enhance relations with Caribbean nations, emphasizing mutual interests and cooperation. Both countries have shared amiable relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1981, despite Dominica’s lack of a diplomatic mission in India; it is accredited through the Indian mission in Port of Spain.
Past interactions have been a testament to their cordial relationship, with significant exchanges occurring, such as during the India-CARICOM Leaders’ Meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2019. Furthermore, Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar connected with Dominica’s Foreign Minister Kenneth Darroux to discuss Covid-19 challenges in April 2020. In 2023, Minister Vince Henderson represented Dominica in crucial forums, including the India-COFCOR Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and an event during India’s G20 presidency.
India’s commitment to supporting Dominica’s development is evident through projects like the India-UNDP Project in Kalinago, initiated in February 2021 with a $1 million grant to enhance sustainable livelihoods. In early 2024, India pledged another $1 million for the second phase of the Community Resilience Project. Additionally, India facilitated the donation of 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Dominica in February 2021 as part of the Vaccine Maitri initiative. Medical supplies have also been provided by India during the pandemic, including essential medicines in 2016.
The Indian community in Dominica plays a vital role in fostering bilateral ties, with approximately 70 Indian nationals primarily engaged in retail and medical professions, especially at Ross Medical University. Currently, about 500 individuals of Indian origin inhabit the island, which further strengthens personal and cultural connections between the two nations.
The article discusses the diplomatic relationship between India and Dominica, highlighting their historically friendly ties and various high-level interactions over the years. Established in 1981, these relations have been bolstered by India’s active support for Dominica’s development through grants and cooperative projects. The article provides context on recent high-level meetings and the broader efforts by India to deepen its engagement with Caribbean countries.
In conclusion, the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Skerrit underscores the significance of the longstanding relationship between India and Dominica. With cooperative efforts evident through development projects and diplomatic communication, both nations are poised to strengthen their ties further. The proactive measures taken by India, particularly in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, highlight the commitment to shared growth and mutual support between the two countries.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
