High Commissioner Designate Shankar Balachandran said recently that India wants to improve its 55-year relationship with Barbados.
He was speaking during a courtesy call with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Senior Minister coordinating for all Social and Environmental Policy, Senator The Most Honourable Dr Jerome Walcott, at the Ministry’s Culloden Road, St Michael Office.
Walcott welcomed Balachandran and expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its donation of 100 000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses in 2020, which were integral to Barbados’ vaccination efforts.
Walcott also expressed gratitude to the government of India for inviting Barbados to participate in several online training sessions aimed at public healthcare officials, since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Balachandran, who is based in Paramaribo, Suriname, conveyed greetings on behalf of his Foreign Secretary to Walcott, and noted that India was interested in increasing its focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.
The two officials discussed matters, including how bilateral relations could be further enhanced in areas such as direct flights between the two countries and grant funding. They also touched on the biotech sector, given Barbados’ push to further build out the life sciences industry, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and Barbados’ vibrant Indian community.
Also present during the courtesy call were Senior Foreign Service Officer, Trecia King, and Foreign Service Officer, Jamar Payne. Barbados and India established diplomatic relations on November 30, 1966. (BGIS)
