Diplomatic Relations
Dominica and India formally established diplomatic relations in 1981, marking the beginning of a relationship that has evolved over the decades into a partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests. The relationship took a significant step forward in 2011 when India's Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Dominica's Division of Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aimed to foster cooperation in education and research in agriculture and related areas, highlighting India’s commitment to assisting Dominica in enhancing its agricultural capabilities and addressing its food security needs.
In November 2011, media reports surfaced alleging that Dawood Ibrahim, a notorious criminal figure, had obtained a Dominican passport, which raised concerns in both nations. However, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit promptly addressed the issue. On November 13, he officially denied these allegations, emphasizing that an extensive investigation found no evidence to support such claims. He also criticized economist Thompson Fontaine, suggesting that these rumors originated from him. This incident reinforced the importance of communication and transparency in international relations.
Strengthening Ties
The personal visit of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to India from February 22–26, 2016, further emphasized the commitment to deepening bilateral relations. During his visit, he was the chief guest at the 6th Convocation of the Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, where he received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree, underscoring the academic ties between the nations. His itinerary included a visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which is a significant religious site, indicating an appreciation for Indian culture. The various luncheons and dinners hosted in his honor by members of the Indian business community showcased India's interest in fostering stronger economic ties with Dominica.
The establishment of the IT Centre for Excellence at the Dominica State College is a key milestone in the relationship between the two nations. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Skerrit on June 3, 2016, this $7 million investment reflects India’s commitment to enhancing educational and technological capacities in Dominica. During the inauguration, Skerrit expressed his desire to utilize Dominica's upcoming term as the chair of CARICOM, beginning July 1, 2016, as an opportunity to strengthen relations not only between Dominica and India, but also between India and the Caribbean Community as a whole. He referred to India as a "dear partner and friend," emphasizing Dominica's gratitude for India's generosity and pledging that Dominica would stand alongside India on various international issues of mutual interest.
Overall, the evolving relationship between Dominica and India is characterized by cooperation in education, technology, and agriculture, alongside a commitment to political diplomacy, which has significantly enhanced the engagement between these two nations on various fronts.
Overview of Trade Relations
The trade relationship between Dominica and India has showcased considerable potential, with total bilateral trade amounting to approximately US$1.57 million in the fiscal year 2015-16. This modest figure reflects a burgeoning yet underexplored economic partnership. During this period, India emerged as a significant trade partner for Dominica, exporting goods valued at $1.47 million while importing only $100,000 from the island nation. The disparity in export and import values highlights the potential for growth in trade relations, suggesting that there may be untapped markets for Dominican products in India.
Indian Exports and Dominican Imports
India's exports to Dominica encompass a range of commodities, emphasizing the diversity of goods exchanged between the two nations. Key exports from India include pharmaceutical products, which are crucial for healthcare within the Caribbean nation, as well as jewellery, readymade garments, textiles, and home furnishings. Each of these sectors presents opportunities for Dominica to enhance consumer choice while also benefiting from competitive pricing and quality offered by Indian manufacturers. On the other hand, India primarily imports scrap metals and plastic articles from Dominica, indicating a reliance on locally sourced materials for its own manufacturing and industrial needs.
Infrastructure Development
Moreover, the relationship has been further strengthened through infrastructural investments, such as the asphalt separation plant constructed by Gujarat Apollo Industries Company Ltd. in Dominica. Such projects not only contribute to the local economy by creating jobs but also bolster Dominica’s industrial capacity. This type of investment demonstrates India's commitment to fostering sustainable development in Dominica, creating avenues for increased trade and collaboration in various sectors, including construction and manufacturing.
Promoting Business Collaboration
In an effort to promote and facilitate these trade relations, Dominica established the Indo-Dominica Chamber of Commerce in February 2016. This institution serves as a vital link between businesses in both countries, aiming to improve bilateral trade, commerce, tourism, and industrial relations. The chamber's activities are designed to assist entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of international trade, encouraging greater interaction between Dominican and Indian businesses. As awareness of each other's markets grows, both nations could see an increase in mutual investment and trade opportunities.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the foundations for stronger trade relations between Dominica and India are steadily being laid. By leveraging the advantages of geographical proximity, the shared interests of developing economies, and the establishment of business networks, both nations are poised to deepen their economic engagement. Continued focus on sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and technology can further enhance bilateral ties, creating a more robust framework for cooperation that benefits both parties.
Cultural Relations
Since December 2016, the presence of individuals of Indian origin in Dominica has been modest, with approximately 50 residents reported. These individuals primarily trace their heritage to the Sindhi community, which is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. In addition to these residents, there are also a handful of families who are Indian nationals living in the country, contributing to the cultural mosaic of Dominica.
The Indian community in Dominica plays a significant role in the local economy, with many members engaged in various businesses that enhance the commercial landscape of the island. Their contributions can be seen in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Notably, a number of Indian professionals hold key positions as faculty members and medical professionals at the Ross University School of Medicine, which has fostered educational ties and brought a diverse array of perspectives to the academic environment.
Cultural exchanges between India and Dominica, though limited, are enriched by community events that celebrate Indian festivals and traditions. These events serve to strengthen the bonds between the Indian diaspora and the broader Dominican community, fostering understanding and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of India. Through their business ventures and professional engagements, individuals of Indian origin continue to contribute to Dominica's social and economic development, marking a growing interconnectedness in cultural relations between the two nations.
Development Assistance
India has played a significant role in providing development assistance to Dominica, especially during times of natural disasters. In December 2011, the Indian government donated $100,000 for disaster relief following Hurricane Ophelia. This commitment continued in December 2013, with a donation of $300,000 directed toward immediate aid after severe flash floods impacted the island. Later that same month, India contributed an additional $200,000 to support humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Erica. These financial aids highlight India's responsiveness to Dominica's needs during crises while fostering a strong bilateral relationship.
Beyond disaster relief, India has extended its support in various sectors, focusing on agriculture and technology. In January 2011, an agriculture and horticulture expert from the National Research Centre for Banana in Thiruchirapalli was dispatched to Dominica at the request of the Dominican government. His visit aimed to provide expert guidance on enhancing local horticulture practices. Additionally, in October 2011, India and Dominica entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an IT Centre for Excellence, further underscoring India's commitment to improving educational and technological infrastructure in Dominica. This centre, built with an investment of $7 million, was inaugurated on June 3, 2016, by Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and is operated by Indian nationals, showcasing the transfer of skills and knowledge.
In support of healthcare, India also initiated a grant-in-aid scheme, facilitating the supply of essential medicines to public hospitals in Dominica. Over the years, multiple shipments of pharmaceuticals have been delivered to bolster the healthcare system in the country, reflecting India's ongoing commitment to improving health services within the island nation.
Furthermore, educational opportunities have been a focal point of India's assistance. Citizens of Dominica benefit from scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC), which provides residents with access to various professional courses. The most popular offerings include Information Technology, accounts and financial management, human resource development, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This programme not only empowers individuals but also equips the nation with skilled professionals, enhancing its economic landscape.
The ties between India and Dominica have also been strengthened through personal interactions between leaders. During Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit's visit to India on February 22, 2016, he made a generous donation of ₹15 lakh (approximately US$18,000) to the Pingalwara Charitable Society in Manawala. This act of goodwill signifies the mutual respect and cultural exchange between the two nations, revealing a camaraderie that extends beyond formal agreements and financial aid. Such gestures foster not only political relations but also a sense of community and shared purpose in addressing social issues.