Co-chairing the India-Caricom summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a seven-pillar framework for enhanced cooperation between India and the Caribbean, leveraging the acronym C-A-R-I-C-O-M. Modi emphasized that these pillars would not only help strengthen ties but also facilitate the transfer of resources and expertise from India to the Caribbean, reflecting India’s leadership of the Global South and its commitment to “selfless” assistance.
The first pillar, Capacity Building, focuses on providing 1,000 information technology scholarships and expanding the technology centre India is setting up in Belize to include all CARICOM nations. Additionally, Modi proposed establishing a forensic centre and offering online training for civil servants to further strengthen regional development.
Agriculture and Food Security, the second pillar, highlighted India’s technological advancements in agriculture. Modi offered support in areas like drone deployment and the promotion of millets, which can boost nutrition and help address food security challenges in the Caribbean.
The third pillar, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, saw Modi inviting CARICOM nations to join India’s global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Mission Life for Sustainable Lifestyles, aimed at combating climate challenges and promoting renewable energy.
In the fourth pillar, Innovation and Technology, Modi shared India’s success with the Universal Payment Interface and eMarketplace, systems that have revolutionized digital payments and supported small businesses. He encouraged CARICOM countries to adopt these technologies to promote economic growth and digital inclusivity.
Cricket and Culture, the fifth pillar, emphasized fostering cultural exchange between India and the Caribbean. Modi proposed 11 scholarships for each CARICOM nation to coach women in cricket and suggested organizing Festivals of India and Bollywood film festivals to enhance people-to-people ties.
The sixth pillar, Ocean Economy and Maritime Security focused on recognizing Caribbean nations as large ocean economies with vast maritime resources. Modi promised India’s support in developing ocean-based resources, improving connectivity through cargo ships and ferries, and collaborating on maritime security to combat piracy, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
Finally, Medicines and Healthcare, the seventh pillar, centered on India’s affordable healthcare initiatives, such as the Janaushadi scheme, which provides low-cost medicines. Modi proposed setting up similar centres in the Caribbean, leveraging India’s telehealth technologies and cancer treatment equipment to improve healthcare access and outcomes across the region.
These seven pillars outlined by PM Modi aim to enhance long-term cooperation, offering a clear framework for a more prosperous and sustainable India-Caribbean partnership.
With IANS inputs