New Delhi and CELAC vow stronger ties as trade exceeds $50 bn

During the 81st UN General Assembly, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co‑chaired a foreign‑ministers meeting with Uruguay’s Mario Luquetti, marking a historic trade figure of over $50 billion for India‑CELAC for the fiscal year 2025‑26. Thirty CELAC representatives, including ministers from St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela, attended.

The participants lauded the rapid expansion of trade and agreed to deepen a development partnership that tackles global challenges through multilateral cooperation. Key focus areas identified were renewable energy, digital transformation, health services, food security, critical minerals, infrastructure, space collaboration, agriculture, humanitarian assistance and capacity building.

Acknowledging India’s timely aid after the recent earthquakes that struck Jamaica, Venezuela and Colombia, CELAC nations praised the assistance as part of a comprehensive global partnership. Both parties affirmed that India views CELAC not merely as a regional group but as a pivotal partner in shaping a more balanced and inclusive international order.