EAM S. Jaishankar highlights India’s global role, development partnerships and support for the Global South during Paramaribo visit…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday underlined India’s growing role in global affairs while calling for stronger international cooperation during an address themed ‘Partnership for Progress’ in Paramaribo.
Speaking in the Surinamese capital, Jaishankar said that despite increasing global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, nations must continue to pursue development through reliable partnerships. He stressed that meaningful progress could only be achieved through collaboration built on trust and shared interests.
In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar thanked Suriname Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva for attending the event and acknowledged the Surinamese Foreign Ministry for organising the programme.
The External Affairs Minister said India had emerged as a trusted global partner capable of balancing national priorities with wider international responsibilities. He highlighted India’s expanding development partnerships, its skilled global workforce, humanitarian assistance efforts and role as a first responder during crises.
Jaishankar said India’s engagement with countries of the Global South was guided by practical cooperation and long term development goals. He added that India was ready to support Suriname in its future growth and prosperity, describing the relationship between the two nations as entering a new chapter.
During his visit, Jaishankar also participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative by planting a sapling at India House in Paramaribo. Sharing photographs of the event on X, he said he was pleased to contribute to the campaign in Suriname.
Earlier on Thursday, the minister formally handed over a fruit processing facility established with Indian financial assistance in Paramaribo. The project was supported through a USD 1 million Small and Medium Enterprises grant announced by India in 2025. India also provided fruit processing machinery for the initiative.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Jaishankar described the project as a reflection of India’s commitment to supporting Suriname and the wider Global South through concrete developmental assistance. He said the initiative demonstrated India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, meaning ‘the world is one family’, not merely through words but through practical projects aimed at improving livelihoods.
He reaffirmed that India would remain a dependable partner for Suriname as the country pursued economic growth and greater prosperity in the coming years.
The event was attended by Suriname’s Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva and Agriculture Minister Nike Noersalim, alongside senior officials and members of the Indian community in Suriname.
