What Did India's EAM Jaishankar Discuss During His Suriname Visit?
Strengthening India-Suriname Relations
Paramaribo: S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, is currently visiting Suriname, where he engaged in discussions with the nation's leadership to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral relations.
Upon his arrival in Paramaribo on Wednesday, Jaishankar received a warm welcome from his Surinamese counterpart, Melvin Bouva.
The two leaders subsequently held a bilateral meeting.
Jaishankar, accompanied by Indian officials, met with Surinamese delegations to conduct a thorough review of their bilateral relationship during the 9th Joint Commission Meeting in Paramaribo.
After the discussions, Jaishankar shared on X, stating, "We covered trade, digital & investment; defence & energy; development assistance & capacity building; health & mobility; and culture & people-to-people exchanges. I am confident that the outcomes of our discussions today will further deepen and diversify our ties."
Jaishankar also met with Suriname's President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, emphasizing their mutual commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
"I was pleased to meet President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of Suriname this afternoon. I conveyed warm greetings from India to the government and people of Suriname. Our two nations are dedicated to realizing the full potential of the deep and enduring India-Suriname relationship," he posted on X.
Additionally, Jaishankar paid tribute at the 'Monument for the Fallen Heroes' in Marienburg, Suriname, honoring the Indian indentured laborers (Girmitya) who lost their lives in the struggle against colonialism in 1902.
"Their sacrifices in 1902 inspire our ongoing fight against colonialism. These Girmityas sought dignity and freedom abroad, just as many others did in Bharat. Our global narrative for liberty and justice must be continuously shared," he remarked.
He also engaged with the Indian community in Suriname, discussing India's transformative journey and reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to being a reliable development partner in Suriname's progress.
On his social media platform X, Jaishankar expressed, "I was delighted to interact with the Indian community in Suriname this evening. I shared various aspects of the transformation underway in India and emphasized that we will be a trusted partner for Suriname's growth, development, and prosperity."
During his visit, he also honored the Baba and Mai monument, which commemorates the first Indians who arrived in Suriname, and paid respects at Mahatma Gandhi's statue in central Paramaribo before starting his bilateral engagements.