India has dispatched machinery worth USD 1 million to Suriname as part of its ongoing development partnership, aimed at supporting the country’s passion fruit industry and enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:
“Strengthening India-Suriname development partnership. Machinery to support the development of the passion fruit industry, under the grant of USD 1 million, was dispatched today to Suriname. Development Partnership between India and Suriname continues to grow.”
The Indian Embassy in Suriname also highlighted the significance of this support in promoting Suriname’s markoesa (passion fruit) industry.
“Today the machines were shipped to Suriname, under a donation of US$ 1 million, to support and develop the markoesa industry. Development cooperation between India and Suriname continues to grow,” the embassy stated in a post on X.
Strengthening India-Suriname Ties
India and Suriname have been actively working to deepen their bilateral ties. On November 21, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Surinamese President Chandrikapersad ‘Chan’ Santokhi on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown. The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation across various sectors.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated:
“PM @narendramodi met President @csantokhi of Suriname on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown. Both leaders reviewed progress on – partnership and emphasised the importance of strengthening economic cooperation. They agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in areas including defense & security, trade & commerce, agriculture, digital initiatives including UPI, ICT, healthcare, traditional medicine and pharmaceuticals, capacity building, human resource development, cultural and people to people engagements.”
Food Aid and Economic Support
Earlier, on November 17, 2024, India sent the first consignment of approximately 425 MT of foodgrains and other edible items to Suriname under its Social Welfare Programme.
“Advancing India-Suriname ties! Fulfilling India’s commitment to support Government of Suriname through supply of food grains and other edible items for their Social Welfare Programme. 1st consignment of approx 425 MT left India today for Paramaribo,” Randhir Jaiswal stated in a post on X.
Growing India-Suriname Cooperation
India and Suriname continue to strengthen economic, technological, and cultural ties, focusing on areas such as agriculture, trade, security, digital connectivity, and healthcare. The latest initiatives reflect India’s commitment to supporting Suriname’s economic growth and social welfare programs.