PM Modi Bats For Seven Proposals To Boost India-CARICOM Ties. What Are They? – News18

Last Updated:November 20, 2024, 23:52 IST

The Prime Minister also met Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and planted a sapling in Georgetown as part of the ‘Ek Ped, Raat Ke Naam’ initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Guyana on Wednesday for the second India-CARICOM Summit, outlined seven proposals to boost ties between India and the Caribbean countries.

The Prime Minister also met Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and planted a sapling in Georgetown as part of the ‘Ek Ped, Raat Ke Naam‘ initiative.

PM Modi’s visit, the first by an Indian head of state in over 50 years, is expected to strengthen ties in various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and renewable energy.

ALSO READ: PM Modi, Guyanese President Plant Sapling In Georgetown Under ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ Initiative

Here are the seven proposals, collectively forming the acronym C-A-R-I-C-O-M, laid out the the Indian Prime Minister:

1. C – Capacity Building: India will offer 1,000 slots in the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme for skill development and technical training. Additionally, a forensic centre will be built to support CARICOM nations.
2. A – Agriculture and Food Security: With this proposal, India intents to enhance cooperation in agricultural development and food security for the Caribbean region.
3. R – Renewable Energy and Climate Change: India has launched initiatives like the Solar Alliance, Mission LiFe, and the Biofuels Alliance, and has invited CARICOM nations to join these efforts. PM Modi also proposed to make a government building solar-powered.
4. I – Innovation, Technology And Trade: With India’s UPI payment system implemented in countries like Singapore, France, and Sri Lanka, Modi proposes that this initiative could be extended to CARICOM.
5. C – Cricket and Culture: Highlighting the cultural bond over cricket between India and the Caribbean, PM Modi announced plans to train women cricketers from CARICOM countries in India. Additionally, a film festival showcasing Caribbean cinema will also be organised.
6. O – Ocean Economy: As many CARICOM nations are oceanic, PM Modi proposed enhancing cooperation in the ocean economy, offering India’s support in providing passenger and cargo facility.
7. M – Medicine and Healthcare: Modi noted India aims to improve healthcare in CARICOM countries by opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras (affordable medicine centres), establishing diagnostic centres, providing mobile hospitals, and setting up food camps for differently-abled individuals. Additionally, sea ambulances will be made available to support the region’s healthcare needs.