Officials from Barbados and India announced plans to strengthen their almost 59-year diplomatic relationship through enhanced diplomatic, political, and commercial cooperation.
The renewed focus on this partnership was highlighted during a ceremony to honour India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Modi was recognised for his decisive actions in providing vaccines to countries like Barbados, which helped mitigate the pandemic’s social and economic impact on the region.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds praised India’s support during one of Barbados’ most challenging periods: “It would have been against the backdrop not only of the graciousness expressed to Barbados but by extension, the graciousness expressed to us in the Caribbean. The partnership with India is exceptionally important for us.”
The foreign minister’s remarks came after the award was presented to Pabitra Margherita, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, who accepted it on behalf of Prime Minister Modi. The presentation was made by the President, the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, in the presence of Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Indian officials, and senior Barbadian government representatives.
Symmonds underscored the need to deepen cooperation between the two nations. “We’re going to be talking, I suspect, about climate change and renewable energy partnership. India is a leader in renewable energy, and this is a group that we’ve committed ourselves to as you well know. Equally, a lot of work is being done by this country.”
Barbados is also collaborating with India in the pharmaceutical sector as it takes initial steps towards local pharmaceutical production. He said: “Pharmaceuticals—and we are partnering with India in that regard. A lot of the regulatory frameworks and so on that we must do, as we begin now our first steps towards being a country that is engaged in pharmaceutical production, will be done in partnership with India.”
The foreign minister highlighted efforts to diversify supply chains and strengthen commercial ties with India: “There’s also the question for us to diversify some of our supply chains and to build connections commercially with India.” Later this year, a Barbadian delegation will travel to India on a diplomatic mission aimed at expanding relations.
Symmonds added: “Those are some of the discussions that we’re going to be having as we expand our diplomatic footprint around the world. We do so with the view to broadening not only the country’s opportunities politically and diplomatically but economically, commercially, and financially as well, and that is an important partnership with India.”
He hinted at exploring direct flights between India and Barbados after members of the Indian delegation faced significant delays while travelling here via the United States.
Symmonds’s Indian counterpart described the award as a recognition of shared international cooperation between both nations. Margherita said: “The announcement of this award during the Second India-CARICOM Leader Summit last year by Prime Minister Mia Mottley was a significant moment, highlighting our commitment to foster deeper ties between India and Barbados, and also the Caribbean nations.”
On the day of Barbados’ independence in 1966, India established diplomatic relations and gifted the hand-carved Speaker’s chair to the House of Assembly.
Margherita highlighted ongoing development initiatives while calling for greater collaboration: “Let us continue to build on this foundation of trust and cooperation and embrace new opportunities for collaboration and work together towards a more resilient and prosperous future for our peoples.”
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