Dr Douglas, Dr Jaishankar and High Commissioner Bath pose with flags of India and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The opening of the mission underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and the Caribbean nation

India has become an increasingly important partner for Small Island Developing States. In what ways can India and Saint Kitts and Nevis work together on climate resilience, renewable energy, healthcare and capacity building?

I agree that India is becoming increasingly supportive of and responsive to the needs of Small Island States. This was on full display during the COVID-19 Pandemic. India sent hundreds of thousands of vaccines to Caribbean countries at the height of the pandemic. In addition, bilaterally, regionally and through the United Nations and in the Commonwealth, India continues to partner with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through extensive economic, climate, and development initiatives via South-South cooperation. India’s focus is heavily geared towards the region’s priorities of building climate resilience, improving digital infrastructure, and maritime security. We welcome India as a partner of choice and as a strategic development partner as we build towards our Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA).

Trade between India and the Caribbean continues to expand. What specific opportunities would you like Indian businesses and investors to explore in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Saint Kitts and Nevis was a growing exporter of electronics assembly and light manufacturing. We are committed to rebuilding the manufacturing sector and given India’s strength as a manufacturing hub, we hope to attract investments and partnership in this area. Saint Kitts and Nevis boasts a literacy rate of over 98%.

The people-to-people connection between India and the Caribbean is a powerful one, shaped by history, migration and shared values. How can cultural exchanges, education and tourism further strengthen these bonds?

One of the most effective ways to improve our countries’ relations is through people-to-people connections. The Indian diaspora has long been at the heart of the economic life of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and its investment footprint is visible and continues to grow. Saint Kitts and Nevis and India share many things in common, based on our shared history, democracy, people empowerment and sustainable development. I think, however, moving forward that we should encourage greater movement and interactions between our peoples. I want to see more people from Saint Kitts-Nevis studying in Indian universities and technical/vocational institutes and bringing that knowledge back to Saint Kitts-Nevis. With my commitment to raising the profile of Saint Kitts and Nevis in India, I hope to see more Indian citizens visiting the Federation and, hopefully, more investments will follow.