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India’s External Affairs Minister began a nine‑day tour of the Caribbean and South America, starting in Jamaica. The visit aims to strengthen relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its member states.
Background
CARICOM is a regional integration organisation comprising 15 member countries and six associate members. It was established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas on 4 July 1973 and is headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana.
- Pillars: CARICOM promotes economic integration, coordinates foreign policy, pursues human and social development and cooperates on security matters among its members.
- Members: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago. Associate members include Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks & Caicos Islands and Curaçao.
- Revised treaty: the 2001 Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas established the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), aiming to allow free movement of goods, services, capital and skilled persons.
- Oldest integration movement: CARICOM is the oldest surviving regional integration grouping in the developing world. The chairmanship rotates every six months among heads of government.
- India–CARICOM ties: India engages with CARICOM countries through development assistance, training programmes, concessional credit and trade. The current visit will explore cooperation in health, digital technology, renewable energy and diaspora engagement.
CARICOM plays a significant role in representing Caribbean interests in global forums. Strengthening ties with CARICOM helps India deepen south‑south cooperation and connect with its large diaspora in the region.
Sources: The Hindu
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