Jaishankar inaugurates St Kitts and Nevis High Commission, calls for deeper India-CARICOM cooperation
New Delhi, April 8. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has hailed the inauguration of the High Commission of Saint Kitts and Nevis in New Delhi as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and expanding India’s engagement with the Caribbean region and the Global South.
Speaking at the formal opening of the mission on April 7, Jaishankar congratulated the government of St Kitts and Nevis and recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to 1983. He said the partnership has been shaped by shared democratic values, common experiences of colonialism, and a collective voice as members of the Global South.
Highlighting areas of convergence, the minister noted that both countries see eye to eye on contemporary issues such as climate justice, health security, and development challenges. He underscored India’s commitment to supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like St Kitts and Nevis through capacity-building, technology transfer, renewable energy collaboration, and disaster resilience efforts.
Jaishankar said the establishment of a resident High Commission would enable both sides to focus more sharply on practical bilateral cooperation. He revealed that India is already supporting a project on processing and packaging of Lima beans and that both sides have agreed to finalise a framework for Quick Impact Projects aimed at benefiting local communities. Discussions also covered health preparedness, including the need to maintain medical inventories and emergency supplies accessible to members of the Caribbean Community.
Tourism, the mainstay of the St Kitts and Nevis economy, also featured prominently in the talks, with Jaishankar pointing to potential participation by Indian businesses in the sector. He also spoke of facilitating greater availability of Indian skills and expertise in health, tourism, and infrastructure.
Referring to India’s experience with digital governance, the minister offered to share best practices with St Kitts and Nevis and other members of the Caribbean Community to promote administrative efficiency and economic growth.
On the multilateral front, Jaishankar appreciated St Kitts and Nevis’s participation in the International Solar Alliance, calling it a reflection of shared commitments to renewable energy and climate action. He also noted that both countries continue to support each other in South-South cooperation initiatives.
Congratulating St Kitts and Nevis on assuming the Chairmanship of CARICOM earlier this year, Jaishankar recalled the productive outcomes of the Second India-CARICOM Summit held in Guyana in November 2024 and co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed India’s intent to work closely with St Kitts and Nevis during its tenure as Chair to advance cooperation in priority areas identified at the summit.
Jaishankar expressed confidence that the new High Commission would serve as a vital platform for expanding engagement, discovering new areas of cooperation, and deepening mutual understanding between the two nations.
