External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday reviewed the full spectrum of India-Suriname relations during the 9th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) held in the capital city of Paramaribo, while also engaging with the Indian diaspora and paying tribute to the fallen heroes of the 1902 uprising in Mariënburg as part of his three-nation Caribbean tour.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside Suriname’s Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva, Jaishankar described the discussions as comprehensive, covering trade, digital cooperation, investment, defence, energy, development assistance, healthcare, mobility, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Calling the relationship deeply rooted in historical and community ties, Jaishankar said in a post on X that “a tough world needs good friends”, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the meeting would further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
Jaishankar outlined a six-point approach focused on strengthening people-to-people ties, supporting Suriname’s development, expanding defence cooperation, advancing development partnership projects, boosting trade and tourism, and sharing India’s digital and AI expertise.
“We have a deep and trusted relationship because it rests on the foundation of a strong people-to-people connection,” the EAM said.
Jaishankar noted that Suriname was ready to take major steps in its development journey and highlighted India’s earlier contributions, including transmission lines, water infrastructure upgrades and industrial support. He also reaffirmed India’s willingness to extend new lines of credit for priority projects identified by Suriname.
“We are open to offering new lines of credit for projects that the Surinama government deems important and appropriate,” the EAM said.
Emphasising defence and security cooperation, Jaishankar said India remained ready to support further requirements of Suriname’s military and police, including capacity building.
The foreign minister also highlighted ongoing development cooperation projects, including a passion fruit processing unit under the India-CARICOM initiative, as well as early warning systems and quick-impact community projects implemented in collaboration with international partners.
“Under the India UNDP programme, we have recently completed an early warning services delivery project in remote areas. We have, in addition, delivered on four quick-impact projects, with a fifth ready to go,” the EAM said.
Highlighting India’s expertise in digital technologies and capacity building, Jaishankar said both countries were entering an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
“In terms of capacity building, India has developed strengths and experiences. We are happy to share that this includes the range of digital practices and capabilities,” he noted.
The minister also reiterated the broader alignment between the two countries, pointing to their shared commitment to the Global South and cooperation across multilateral platforms, including the United Nations. He highlighted Suriname’s participation in initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance as additional pillars of engagement.
Following the Joint Commission Meeting, Jaishankar called on Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and conveyed greetings from India’s leadership.
Later in the day on Wednesday, Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian community in Suriname, highlighting India’s ongoing transformation and reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to supporting Suriname’s growth and prosperity.
Earlier, the EAM paid tribute at the ‘Monument for the Fallen Heroes’ in Mariënburg, honouring those who lost their lives in the 1902 uprising and remembering their contribution to the larger struggle against colonialism.
Reflecting on the contribution of the Girmitya community, he added: “These Girmityas fought for dignity and freedom abroad, even as countless others did in Bharat. Our global story for liberty and justice must always be told and re-told.”
Jaishankar is currently on a three-nation tour to Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago from May 2 to May 10 as part of India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Caribbean nations.
(ANI)
