India Strengthens Ties with CARICOM Through Science and Technology Initiatives

Roundtable Discussion on India-CARICOM Cooperation

Georgetown, July 26: The Indian High Commission in Guyana hosted a roundtable event titled 'India-CARICOM Cooperation in Resource Mapping, Climate Change and Agricultural Research & Development'. This gathering reaffirmed India's dedication to enhancing collaboration with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations in the fields of science and technology.

The event took place at the Pegasus Corporate Centre in Georgetown, organized in partnership with the CARICOM Secretariat. A delegation from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), currently visiting Guyana, also participated in the discussions.

Indian Ambassador to CARICOM, Amit Telang, opened the session by emphasizing India's eagerness to broaden and deepen its scientific and technological partnerships with Caribbean nations.

He highlighted the significance of cooperation, collaboration, and coexistence as fundamental principles shared between India and CARICOM for the benefit of their populations and the broader Global South, as noted by the Indian High Commission on social media.

The roundtable was led by Wendell Samuel, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Integration, Innovation, and Development at the CARICOM Secretariat. Attendees included representatives from various member states and key government organizations from Guyana.

Srinivasa Rao Goru, a scientist from ISRO, delivered an in-depth presentation on how space technology and remote sensing can be applied across various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, and disaster management.

Senior officials from the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) shared insights into their extensive network of laboratories and expertise in areas such as climate adaptation and sustainable technologies.

They expressed their willingness to assist in collaboration and capacity building for CARICOM partner countries.

The Indian High Commission stated that this event is a significant step towards realizing the outcomes of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit held in Georgetown in November 2024, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged support to CARICOM nations in various sectors, including innovation, technology, and trade.

During his visit to Guyana for the summit, PM Modi envisioned a multifaceted partnership with innovation as a key component, emphasizing cooperation in science and technology, particularly the application of Indian space technology in resource mapping, climate change, and agriculture.

Prior to this roundtable, the ISRO delegation participated in the Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit from July 23-25, aimed at reinforcing global commitments to biodiversity conservation.