India proposes seven key pillars to expand ties with Caribbean as leader of Global South

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has outlined seven “key pillars” to strengthen ties between India and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) as he addressed the second India-Caricom Summit in Guyana. These pillars, forming the acronym C-A-R-I-C-O-M, include capacity building, agriculture and food security, renewable energy and climate change, innovation, technology and trade, cricket and culture, ocean economy, and medicine and healthcare. India and Guyana signed 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) spanning health, hydrocarbons, agriculture, and banking while pledging enhanced cooperation in defence, urban development, education, and food security.  

A notable MoU focuses on hydrocarbons, covering crude sourcing, natural gas collaboration, and infrastructure development, leveraging Guyana’s untapped reserves. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to elevate ties, particularly addressing concerns of the Global South. He proposed initiatives such as an online portal for promoting trade, technology, tourism, talent, and tradition and creating a forensic centre for the region. India’s support for reforming global institutions like the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund was also emphasised. Guyana President Mr. Irfaan Ali thanked India for its pivotal COVID-19 vaccine contributions and commended India’s leadership in advancing sustainable development and representing the Global South effectively, including its G20 presidency. 

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