Wed Nov 20 20:01:20 UTC 2024: ## Modi Proposes Seven Pillars to Strengthen India-CARICOM Ties
**Georgetown, Guyana –** Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a seven-pillar framework to bolster relations between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) during the second India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana on Wednesday. This marks the first visit by an Indian head of state to Guyana in over 50 years.
The summit focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, tourism, talent, tradition, economic cooperation, agriculture and food security, health and pharmaceuticals, and science and innovation. Modi emphasized the importance of these “five Ts” and suggested an online portal to connect private sector stakeholders from both regions. He also highlighted the need for implementation of a previously announced $1 million grant for CARICOM’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali expressed gratitude for India’s assistance, particularly its provision of COVID-19 vaccines. The summit also built upon previous discussions regarding renewable energy and climate change cooperation, initiated in 2019. The significance of the Indian diaspora in Guyana, estimated at 320,000 people, was also acknowledged.
Modi’s visit to Guyana follows his participation in the G20 Summit in Brazil, where he met with several world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He also recently visited Nigeria for bilateral talks.
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