How are India and Suriname Strengthening Their Partnership?
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Synopsis
India and Suriname are enhancing their partnership and cultural ties, marked by significant discussions and agreements. The recent telephonic conversation between EAM Jaishankar and FM Bouva celebrates Suriname's independence and underscores the commitment to deepen bilateral relations. Discover the key developments shaping this alliance.
Key Takeaways
- Telephonic conversation between EAM Jaishankar and FM Bouva celebrated Suriname's 50th independence anniversary.
- India committed USD 1 million for Suriname's Small and Medium Enterprises.
- President Murmu's visit in June 2023 was a significant milestone.
- Multiple MoUs were signed during the visit, enhancing cooperation.
- India and Suriname share a rich cultural history.
New Delhi, Nov 24 (NationPress) - External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in a telephonic discussion with his Suriname counterpart Melvin Bouva on Monday, extending his congratulations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Suriname's independence.
"It was a pleasure to speak with FM Melvin Bouva of Suriname. I conveyed my best wishes on the 50th anniversary of Suriname’s Independence. I look forward to strengthening our partnership and enhancing people-to-people ties," EAM Jaishankar shared on X.
Earlier in September, EAM Jaishankar had the opportunity to meet Bouva in New York during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
After their meeting, EAM Jaishankar tweeted, "It was delightful to connect with FM Melvin Bouva of Suriname today. I appreciate his kind words regarding our mutual relations."
In June, Suriname welcomed the first delivery of fruit processing machinery, financed through the USD 1 million Small and Medium Enterprises grant announced by India.
"The first shipment of fruit processing machinery, funded under the USD 1 million SME grant announced by EAM S. Jaishankar, has arrived in Suriname. Once operational, this facility will significantly enhance the value addition of local agricultural products," stated the Embassy of India in Suriname on X.
India committed USD 1 million in grant support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) projects during EAM Jaishankar's meeting with his then-Surinamese counterpart Albert Ramdin at the India-Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) meeting in Guyana on April 21, 2023.
India maintains a warm and cordial relationship with Suriname, strengthened by cultural and people-to-people connections, dating back over a century and a half with the arrival of the Indian diaspora. Both nations engage in various bilateral mechanisms to enhance cooperation, including Ministerial level Joint Commission Meetings and the Joint Working Group on Agriculture. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two countries have actively collaborated on development partnerships, with India providing Line of Credits (LOCs) and Grants-in-Aid.
President Droupadi Murmu's inaugural foreign trip to Suriname in June 2023 marked a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations. During her visit, she was the State Guest at the 150th anniversary of Indian arrival in Suriname.
During her visit, President Murmu was awarded the esteemed 'Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star,' the highest civilian accolade of Suriname. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during her trip, focusing on cooperation in medical product regulation, the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopeia, and the development of a Joint Work Plan for Agriculture and Allied Sectors from 2023 to 2027.
Suriname has consistently expressed gratitude for India's unwavering support in development cooperation, particularly in community development initiatives, food security programs, and small and medium enterprises.
Point of View
It is crucial that India continues to nurture its relationship with Suriname, a nation with which it shares deep cultural ties. The ongoing dialogues and agreements are not only vital for enhancing economic cooperation but also play a significant role in fostering goodwill among nations.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was discussed in the telephonic conversation between EAM Jaishankar and FM Bouva?
EAM Jaishankar conveyed congratulations to FM Bouva on the 50th anniversary of Suriname's independence and emphasized the importance of strengthening their partnership and people-to-people ties.
What initiatives have India and Suriname undertaken to enhance their cooperation?
India has provided a USD 1 million grant for Small and Medium Enterprises in Suriname, alongside various bilateral mechanisms aimed at enhancing cooperation in agriculture and community development.
What was the significance of President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Suriname?
President Murmu's visit marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Indian arrival in Suriname and leading to several key agreements, including MoUs in agriculture and medical products.
