MoS External Affairs Margherita strengthens India’s ties with Latin America and the Caribbean through four-nation visit
| 2024-10-09
MoS Pabitra Margherita with Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda Gaston Brown on October 8, 2024.
The MEA described the visit as a "significant step" towards deepening India’s relationship with the LAC region
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita has concluded a nine-day official visit to Mexico, Grenada, Barbados, and Antigua and Barbuda, aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic relations between India and the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. The visit, spanning from September 30 to October 8, 2024, showcased India's commitment to strengthening its ties with LAC nations as part of its broader strategy to engage with the Global South.
During the visit, MoS Margherita represented India at significant events, engaged with key political leaders, and interacted with the Indian diaspora to foster bilateral ties.
Mexico: Strengthening Political and Cultural Ties
MoS Margherita’s visit to Mexico, from September 30 to October 2, 2024, marked a milestone in India-Mexico relations. On October 1, he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Mexico’s new President, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum.
Beyond the ceremony, he engaged with prominent Mexican parliamentarians, business leaders, and Indian diaspora members. He planted a sapling at the Indian Embassy premises under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, demonstrating India’s commitment to sustainability and environmental causes.
In a significant gesture, MoS Margherita paid floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Chapultepec Park. He also led a ‘Swachhata Abhiyan’ (Cleanliness Campaign), cleaning the surrounding area to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of India’s ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (Clean India Mission). His active participation emphasized India’s dedication to promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness on a global scale.
Grenada: A Historic Diplomatic Engagement
The Minister’s visit to Grenada (October 2-4, 2024) marked the first ministerial-level visit from India since May 2018 and only the second-ever such visit to the country. This historic visit demonstrated India’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with Grenada.
In Grenada, MoS Margherita witnessed the Ceremonial Opening of the Third Session of the Eleventh Parliament, reinforcing India’s support for democratic institutions and governance. He held bilateral meetings with key figures, including Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenada, Speaker of the House of Representatives Leo Cato, and President of the Senate Dessima D Williams. These meetings covered a range of topics aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual interests.
Additionally, he held extensive discussions with Grenada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Export Development, Joseph Andall, focusing on trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. His interaction with the Indian diaspora in Grenada further solidified the cultural and community ties between the two nations.
Barbados: Expanding Health and Trade Collaboration
In Barbados (October 4-6, 2024), MoS Margherita’s visit was instrumental in expanding cooperation in healthcare and trade. He met with Barbados’s Foreign and Trade Minister to discuss issues of mutual interest and opportunities for collaboration in economic and development projects.
A significant highlight was his visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he oversaw the donation of medical equipment provided by India under the India-UNDP fund. This gesture demonstrated India’s commitment to supporting healthcare infrastructure in partner countries and reinforcing its role as a global healthcare partner.
MoS Margherita also engaged with CEOs of Invest Barbados and Export Barbados, exploring avenues for increased trade and investment between the two countries. He interacted with representatives from diaspora organizations and visited the Mural of the East Indian Community in Bridgetown, recognizing the long-standing contributions of the Indian community in Barbados.
Antigua and Barbuda: Fostering Political and Cultural Ties
Concluding his visit in Antigua and Barbuda (October 6-8, 2024), MoS Margherita met with Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene for bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing political, economic, and cultural ties. He also paid courtesy calls on Governor-General Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
The Indian community in Antigua and Barbuda warmly welcomed the Minister of State at a community reception, where he interacted with senior government officials, community representatives, students, artists, and experts in Yoga and Ayurveda. Notably, the event also featured legendary cricketers Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Courtney Walsh, and Sir Curtly Ambrose, highlighting the strong cultural connections shared by the two nations through cricket.
As part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, Shri Margherita planted a palm tree at the American University of Antigua campus, further promoting environmental awareness and cooperation in educational initiatives.
The Minister of State’s visit has added momentum to India’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagements in Latin America and the Caribbean. It underscored India’s proactive approach in fostering ties with the Global South and enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, healthcare, and sustainable development.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as a "significant step" towards deepening India’s relationship with the LAC region. The discussions held during the tour have paved the way for greater collaboration in various sectors, including trade, technology, investment, and cultural exchanges.
As India continues to strengthen its presence and influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, Shri Pabitra Margherita’s visit marks a vital chapter in enhancing India’s global partnerships. The outcomes of this tour are expected to contribute to the development and prosperity of both India and its partner nations in the LAC region.
During the visit, MoS Margherita represented India at significant events, engaged with key political leaders, and interacted with the Indian diaspora to foster bilateral ties.
Mexico: Strengthening Political and Cultural Ties
MoS Margherita’s visit to Mexico, from September 30 to October 2, 2024, marked a milestone in India-Mexico relations. On October 1, he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Mexico’s new President, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum.
Beyond the ceremony, he engaged with prominent Mexican parliamentarians, business leaders, and Indian diaspora members. He planted a sapling at the Indian Embassy premises under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, demonstrating India’s commitment to sustainability and environmental causes.
In a significant gesture, MoS Margherita paid floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Chapultepec Park. He also led a ‘Swachhata Abhiyan’ (Cleanliness Campaign), cleaning the surrounding area to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of India’s ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (Clean India Mission). His active participation emphasized India’s dedication to promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness on a global scale.
Grenada: A Historic Diplomatic Engagement
The Minister’s visit to Grenada (October 2-4, 2024) marked the first ministerial-level visit from India since May 2018 and only the second-ever such visit to the country. This historic visit demonstrated India’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with Grenada.
In Grenada, MoS Margherita witnessed the Ceremonial Opening of the Third Session of the Eleventh Parliament, reinforcing India’s support for democratic institutions and governance. He held bilateral meetings with key figures, including Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenada, Speaker of the House of Representatives Leo Cato, and President of the Senate Dessima D Williams. These meetings covered a range of topics aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual interests.
Additionally, he held extensive discussions with Grenada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Export Development, Joseph Andall, focusing on trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. His interaction with the Indian diaspora in Grenada further solidified the cultural and community ties between the two nations.
Barbados: Expanding Health and Trade Collaboration
In Barbados (October 4-6, 2024), MoS Margherita’s visit was instrumental in expanding cooperation in healthcare and trade. He met with Barbados’s Foreign and Trade Minister to discuss issues of mutual interest and opportunities for collaboration in economic and development projects.
A significant highlight was his visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he oversaw the donation of medical equipment provided by India under the India-UNDP fund. This gesture demonstrated India’s commitment to supporting healthcare infrastructure in partner countries and reinforcing its role as a global healthcare partner.
MoS Margherita also engaged with CEOs of Invest Barbados and Export Barbados, exploring avenues for increased trade and investment between the two countries. He interacted with representatives from diaspora organizations and visited the Mural of the East Indian Community in Bridgetown, recognizing the long-standing contributions of the Indian community in Barbados.
Antigua and Barbuda: Fostering Political and Cultural Ties
Concluding his visit in Antigua and Barbuda (October 6-8, 2024), MoS Margherita met with Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene for bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing political, economic, and cultural ties. He also paid courtesy calls on Governor-General Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
The Indian community in Antigua and Barbuda warmly welcomed the Minister of State at a community reception, where he interacted with senior government officials, community representatives, students, artists, and experts in Yoga and Ayurveda. Notably, the event also featured legendary cricketers Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Courtney Walsh, and Sir Curtly Ambrose, highlighting the strong cultural connections shared by the two nations through cricket.
As part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, Shri Margherita planted a palm tree at the American University of Antigua campus, further promoting environmental awareness and cooperation in educational initiatives.
The Minister of State’s visit has added momentum to India’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagements in Latin America and the Caribbean. It underscored India’s proactive approach in fostering ties with the Global South and enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, healthcare, and sustainable development.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as a "significant step" towards deepening India’s relationship with the LAC region. The discussions held during the tour have paved the way for greater collaboration in various sectors, including trade, technology, investment, and cultural exchanges.
As India continues to strengthen its presence and influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, Shri Pabitra Margherita’s visit marks a vital chapter in enhancing India’s global partnerships. The outcomes of this tour are expected to contribute to the development and prosperity of both India and its partner nations in the LAC region.
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