Historical Ties between India and Saint Kitts and Nevis
India's relationship with Saint Kitts and Nevis has deep historical roots that can be traced back to the mid-19th century when both territories were under British colonial rule. The first significant wave of Indian migration to these Caribbean islands began on 3 June 1861, when the Dartmouth arrived in Saint Kitts, bringing 361 Indian indentured workers from Calcutta. Tragically, the journey was marked by hardship, resulting in the death of 24 individuals during transit, leaving only 337 to commence their new lives in Saint Kitts. Similarly, on 30 March 1874, the arrival of the Syria marked the first introduction of Indian laborers to Nevis, carrying 315 workers. Collectively, these two voyages constituted the primary influx of Indian indentured laborers to Saint Kitts and Nevis. Over time, a significant number of those who immigrated chose to leave for other Caribbean countries with more substantial Indian communities, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname, with only a small portion of them deciding to settle permanently in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Political Intricacies and Allegations
The political landscape between India and Saint Kitts and Nevis was notably marked by an alleged scandal involving the Indian government during the late 1980s. In 1989, a sensational report in The Kuwait Times claimed that Ajeya Singh, the son of then-Indian Prime Minister V.P. Singh, held a bank account in Saint Kitts with deposits amounting to $21 million, allegedly benefiting V.P. Singh. This report quickly gained traction within the Indian media, creating a significant stir. However, subsequent investigations revealed that these claims were unfounded, fabricated to undermine V.P. Singh's government, highlighting the complexities of international relations and the potential for misinformation to affect diplomatic ties.
Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
In the 21st century, efforts to enhance bilateral ties visibly progressed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2007, establishing a platform for regular Foreign Office Consultations between India and Saint Kitts and Nevis. A landmark visit occurred in April 2012 when Prime Minister Denzil Douglas traveled to India for discussions focused on strengthening economic ties and fostering investment opportunities. His visit included significant engagements in Punjab, where he not only visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar but also held discussions with Indian entrepreneurs and officials in cities like Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Health tourism was another focus during his visit, particularly following his tour of a hospital in Chandigarh, which aimed to explore potential collaborations in the health sector. Douglas concluded his visit with a cultural immersion at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, symbolizing the blend of diplomacy and cultural exchange.
Recent Developments and Cultural Engagement
The relationship between the two nations has also been influenced by notable individuals seeking citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Jatin Mehta, the promoter of Winsome Diamonds and Jewellery Ltd., gained citizenship in 2013-2014. His financial dealings in India, including being the country's second-largest loan defaulter with a staggering debt exceeding ₹6,800 crore (approximately $810 million), have cast a shadow on his connection to Saint Kitts and Nevis. In 2016, India’s Minister of Ayush, Shripad Yesso Naik, marked a cultural celebratory note by visiting Saint Kitts to partake in Diwali festivities, emphasizing the ongoing people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges between India and this Caribbean nation. These events contribute to an evolving relationship that continues to seek economic cooperation, cultural understanding, and mutual respect.
Trade Relations
The trade relations between India and Saint Kitts and Nevis have shown promising growth in recent years. In the fiscal year 2015-16, the bilateral trade between the two nations reached a total of US$2.36 million, demonstrating a significant increase of 55.26% compared to the previous year. This upsurge indicates the strengthening of economic ties and a growing interest in mutual trade benefits.
India's exports to Saint Kitts and Nevis amounted to $2.20 million, illustrating the country's robust capacity to supply goods that meet the needs of the Caribbean market. The exported commodities primarily include pharmaceuticals, garments, and jewellery, which highlight India's strengths in manufacturing and expertise in these sectors. In contrast, imports from Saint Kitts and Nevis were relatively modest, totaling approximately $160,000. This trade imbalance emphasizes India's position as a major supplier to the smaller nation and presents further opportunities for diversifying the trade portfolio.
To enhance mutual economic cooperation, India and Saint Kitts and Nevis formalized their commitment to transparency and financial integrity through the signing of a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) on November 11, 2014. This agreement, which came into effect on February 2, 2016, aims to provide a framework for the exchange of tax-related information between the two countries, thereby reducing tax evasion and increasing the ease of doing business. The TIEA represents a significant step toward fostering a more secure and transparent investment climate, which can ultimately lead to increased trade and investment flows.
Overall, the growing trade relations, coupled with formal agreements like the TIEA, reflect a collaborative approach to economic development between India and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The potential for further growth remains substantial, as both nations can explore new sectors for trade, expanding their economic cooperation beyond the current scope.
Foreign Aid
In the realm of international relations, foreign aid plays a pivotal role, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and support between nations. India's aid to Saint Kitts and Nevis is a notable example of this, underscoring the historical ties and mutual respect shared between the two countries. In 1995, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Luis, India extended its hand by donating ₹5 lakh, which, when adjusted for inflation, amounts to approximately ₹30 lakh or US$36,000 in 2023. This timely assistance was directed towards disaster relief efforts, demonstrating India's commitment to supporting Caribbean nations during times of crisis. The contribution not only provided immediate relief but also reinforced the bonds of friendship between India and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The relationship between India and Saint Kitts and Nevis further extends to educational opportunities as well. Citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis are afforded the opportunity to benefit from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. This initiative aims to provide various skill development and training opportunities, which help enhance the capabilities of individuals from developing nations. Through this program, students and professionals in Saint Kitts and Nevis can access scholarships for technical training and education across various fields in India, fostering knowledge transfer and capacity building.
India's engagement with Saint Kitts and Nevis through foreign aid and educational scholarships exemplifies a broader commitment to strengthening relations with Caribbean nations. By facilitating disaster relief and promoting education, India not only addresses immediate needs but also seeks to empower future generations. This partnership showcases the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges and building a brighter future for all involved. Such initiatives reinforce the idea that mutual support and shared knowledge can lead to sustainable development, ultimately benefiting both nations and their peoples.
Indians in Saint Kitts and Nevis
The demographic landscape of Saint Kitts and Nevis has seen notable changes over the years, particularly concerning the East Indian community. According to the 2001 Census, the percentage of East Indian individuals in the country grew from a mere 0.7% in 1991 to 1.5% by 2001. This increase positioned East Indians as the third largest ethnic group in the nation, following the predominant African population, which constituted 92.4%, and those of mixed race at 3%. The census data revealed specific numbers, indicating that there were 443 East Indian males and 266 East Indian females living in the country at that time, reflecting a small but significant presence within the broader multi-ethnic composition of the nation.
By the end of 2016, the estimated number of Indians residing in Saint Kitts and Nevis ranged from 200 to 250 individuals. This close-knit community predominantly engages in small business ventures, contributing to the local economy through various trades and services. The movement of Indian entrepreneurs from St. Martin to Saint Kitts has been a crucial factor in the growth of the Indian population in the federation. This influx not only enhances the entrepreneurial landscape but also fosters cultural exchanges and connections within the small Indian diaspora.
Furthermore, the educational landscape in Saint Kitts has attracted many foreign nationals of Indian descent, particularly as students at the Windsor University School of Medicine. This growing enrollment underscores a commitment to medical education and professional development, enriching the community further with skilled individuals. As these students complete their studies and potentially establish careers in healthcare, they may also contribute to the multicultural fabric of Saint Kitts and Nevis, thereby enhancing both the demographic diversity and the professional landscape of this Caribbean nation. Overall, the Indian community in Saint Kitts and Nevis, while small, plays a vital role in the cultural and economic vitality of the country.