New Delhi, May 3: Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar arrived at Zurich Airport during his Caribbean tour, where he received a warm welcome from Anoop Dhingra, a representative of India-Switzerland relations.
The Indian Embassy in Switzerland shared the news on its official X account, highlighting the cordial reception Jaishankar received from Dhingra at the airport as part of his official visit to Caribbean nations.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar is on an official visit to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago from May 2 to May 10. These countries are also members of the Caribbean Community.
During this trip, Jaishankar will meet with leaders from all three nations and discuss bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest with his counterparts.
The ministry stated that this visit aims to strengthen political ties between India and these nations, advance long-standing friendly relations, and promote South-South cooperation and development.
The Foreign Minister will also engage with prominent business figures and members of the Indian community in these countries.
India shares a special connection with Caribbean nations like Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, as they are home to the Girmitya community.
The term ‘Girmitya’ refers to Indian laborers who migrated to other countries during the British colonial period in the mid to late 19th century for work. Many of them eventually settled in these regions. The word ‘Girmit’ is a mispronunciation of ‘Agreement,’ which was used for their work contracts.
Last month, Jaishankar welcomed the opening of the High Commission of Saint Kitts and Nevis in India, stating that it would further strengthen ties between the two nations.
He also noted that India and Saint Kitts and Nevis support each other in South-South cooperation and praised the country’s active participation in the International Solar Alliance.
Jaishankar congratulated Saint Kitts and Nevis on assuming the presidency of CARICOM this January and appreciated the strong relations between India and CARICOM countries.
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