Barbados has indicated its interest in strengthening its south-south ties with India.
This was one of the major talking points discussed during a courtesy call with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Simone Rudder, and India’s High Commissioner to Barbados, Dr. Shankar Balachandran.
Ms. Rudder thanked the Government of India for its assistance with COVID-19 vaccines and emphasised that before the pandemic and even more so post-pandemic, Barbados wished to reinforce its Global-South ties so that the two countries could work together and advance in areas of mutual benefit.
The non-resident High Commissioner, who resides in Suriname, indicated that his country is keen to further develop ties with Barbados, and in doing so is willing to share its superfood millet with Barbados, which has the right climate setting for its growth.
Dr. Balachandran commended Barbados for the strong entrepreneurship in the Indian business community and for the treatment of Indians who have migrated to Barbados.
The two officials also discussed scholarships, electrical vehicles, tourism, trade, food security and nutrition, and climate vulnerabilities.
Also present at the courtesy call were Foreign Service Officer, Darren Carter, and Padma M. Nanduri, who accompanied the High Commissioner.
Barbados and India established diplomatic relations on November 30, 1966.