Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor held discussions with several Caribbean leaders on the sidelines of SIDS’ conference in Antigua, giving impetus to India’s Global South engagement
India’s Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor who was on a two-day visit to Antigua and Barbuda from May 29 to 30, called on the Caribbean country’s Prime Minister Gaston Alfonso Browne and discussed issues of bilateral interests on May 30, the Indian High Commission in Guyana said.

In a post on social media X, the Indian High Commission in Guyana wrote: “Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) paid a courtesy call on Mr Gaston Browne, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. PM Browne appreciated the support extended by India in organizing 4th SIDS conference in Antigua.”

Antigua and Barbuda held the 4th Small Island Developing States (SIDS) conference from May 27 to 30 and discussed issues such as climate change, the economic and social repercussions of Covid-19 and debt related crisis.

Earlier, Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor met Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda E P Chet Greene and discussion between them focused on capacity building. The Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda also appreciated India’s support in organising SIDS and its assistance during Covid pandemic.

Writing about this meeting on social media, the Indian High Commission in Guyana said: “Capacity building figured as an important theme in discussion between Hon’ble E P Chet Greene, Foreign Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, and Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor. FM Chet Greene appreciated India’s support in organizing SIDS and assistance by India during COVID Pandemic.”

On May 29, on the sidelines of the 4th SIDS Conference in Antigua, the Secretary (West) paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of Guyana Brig(Retd) Mark Philip and discussed further strengthening of India-Guyana partnership.

The Secretary (West) during his visit to the Caribbean country, also met Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharat, Secretary General of CARICOM Dr Carla Bennett, Premier of Anguilla Dr Ellis Webster and Foreign Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Denzil Douglas.