External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday extended his congratulations to Grenada’s Foreign Minister Joseph Andall on the 51st anniversary of the country’s independence, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar wrote:
“Congratulate FM Joseph Andall, the Government and people of Grenada on the 51st anniversary of their Independence. Will continue efforts to strengthen our bilateral and multilateral cooperation.”
He also shared a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, highlighting India’s diplomatic engagement with the Caribbean nation.
India-Grenada Relations at the CARICOM Summit
According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana, on November 20, 2024.
During their meeting:
- Modi congratulated Mitchell on assuming the chairmanship of CARICOM.
- The two leaders discussed development cooperation in areas such as ICT, healthcare, capacity building, and climate change resilience.
- Mitchell thanked Modi for India’s COVID-19 vaccine support and commended India’s leadership in the Global South.
First Non-Resident High Commissioner of Grenada to India Appointed
Meanwhile, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita met with Gita Kishorekumar Pasupuleti, the newly appointed and first Non-Resident High Commissioner of Grenada to India, in New Delhi.
Margherita posted on X:
“Delighted to meet with H.E. Mr. Gita Kishorekumar Pasupuleti, newly appointed and the first Non-Resident High Commissioner of Grenada to India. Discussed ways to strengthen and advance our bilateral relations.”
Historical Ties Between India and Grenada
As per the MEA, India’s relationship with Grenada dates back to May 1, 1857, when the first ship, ‘Maidstone,’ carrying 287 Indian indentured workers arrived in Grenada, then a British colony.
- Between 1857 and 1885, a total of 3,200 Indians were brought to Grenada under the indenture system.
- After the system ended in 1890, 302 Indians repatriated to India, while the remaining assimilated into Grenadian society.
- Grenada gained independence in 1974, and diplomatic ties between the two nations have strengthened over the years.
Conclusion
India continues to strengthen its diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with Grenada, emphasizing historical connections, development cooperation, and partnerships in global platforms like CARICOM. The appointment of a Non-Resident High Commissioner and continued engagement at bilateral and multilateral levels signal India’s growing outreach in the Caribbean region.