EAM S Jaishankar says India will always be reliable partner to Suriname
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India will always remain a reliable partner for Suriname in its journey towards progress and prosperity, while highlighting New Delhi’s human-centric cooperation with the Caribbean nation and the Global South.
Jaishankar made the remarks during the handing over ceremony of an India-assisted passion fruit processing facility in Paramaribo on Thursday.
The minister is currently on a three-nation Caribbean tour from May 2 to 10 aimed at strengthening India’s strategic and cultural ties with regional nations.
Speaking at the event, Jaishankar said India remains committed to sharing its experiences and collaborating in line with Suriname’s national priorities and developmental goals.
“In the time to come, as Suriname advances in its quest for progress and prosperity, India will always be a reliable partner,” he said.
The facility, named Agro Passion Fruit, was developed with Indian financial assistance. Jaishankar attended the event along with Surinamese Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva and Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim.
The External Affairs Minister said the project reflects India’s larger commitment towards the Global South and demonstrates the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family.
He said India’s partnerships are focused on improving the lives of ordinary citizens and ensuring development cooperation remains human-centric.
“Our cooperation has been human-centric, and if one looks at our relationship over the last few years, one can see that it has had a direct impact on the lives of ordinary citizens,” he said.
Jaishankar added that the project symbolises the shared commitment of India and Suriname to take bilateral ties to greater heights.
In a post on social media platform X, the minister described the facility as a commitment to value addition and self-reliance and reaffirmed India’s position as a trusted development partner of Suriname.
During his visit, Jaishankar also met Suriname National Assembly Chair Michael Ashwin Adhin and discussed parliamentary exchanges and bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
Before arriving in Suriname, Jaishankar visited Jamaica. Trinidad and Tobago will be the final stop of his Caribbean tour.
