Why in news?
India recently held a virtual dialogue with the Central American Integration System (SICA) to deepen cooperation in digital transformation, healthcare, disaster resilience and renewable energy.
About SICA
- The Central American Integration System is the main institutional framework for regional integration among the countries of Central America.
- It was formally established in December 1991 through the Tegucigalpa Protocol, which modernised the earlier Organization of Central American States (ODECA).
- Founding members: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
- Full members: Belize (joined in 2000) and the Dominican Republic (joined in 2013) expanded the bloc to eight countries. The General Secretariat is located in El Salvador and the presidency rotates every six months.
Objectives
- Promote peace, democracy, freedom and sustainable development in Central America.
- Create an economic union by moving from a free trade area towards a customs union and ultimately a common market.
- Coordinate foreign policy, security cooperation, environmental protection and migration policies among member states.
- Harmonise passport and visa regulations and improve regional infrastructure.
India–SICA cooperation
- The virtual dialogue was co‑chaired by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Costa Rica’s Vice‑Minister of Multilateral Affairs, as Costa Rica held the pro‑tempore presidency.
- India offered capacity‑building through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, Quick Impact Projects and grants for small and medium enterprises.
- Areas of collaboration include digital payments, affordable healthcare, disaster risk reduction, renewable energy and agriculture. SICA countries appreciated India’s support during the COVID‑19 pandemic and natural disasters.
Significance
- Engagement with SICA helps India diversify its partnerships in Latin America, opening opportunities for trade and investment in a region with over 60 million people.
- For SICA, cooperation with India brings technical expertise, affordable medicines and digital solutions.
Conclusion
Strengthening ties with SICA underscores India’s commitment to South–South cooperation and offers new avenues for economic and cultural exchange.