India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has formally inaugurated the Embassy of India in the Dominican Republic, marking a new phase of bilateral cooperation between the two nations as New Delhi expands its footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean. The inauguration took place during Jaishankar’s first official visit to the country on Thursday.
In a tweet, Jaishankar expressed his privilege to join the Vice President of the Dominican Republic, Raquel Pena, in inaugurating the embassy. Speaking at the event, he said, “Today is a very proud day for India and for the relationship between India and the Dominican Republic. I have the privilege to formally inaugurate the embassy that we have established here. Your presence exemplifies the importance that the Government of the Dominican Republic attaches to this.”
India officially established its embassy in Santo Domingo in 2022. The move comes as part of India’s efforts to strengthen ties with countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region, which is seen as a strategically important area due to its proximity to the United States and its growing economic and geopolitical significance.
The Dominican Republic is one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, with a strong focus on tourism, mining, and agribusiness. India has been keen to deepen economic ties with the country and explore opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and IT.
The establishment of the embassy is also expected to facilitate closer collaboration between India and other countries in the region. During his visit to the Dominican Republic, Jaishankar is expected to hold talks with senior government officials and explore ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
India has been stepping up its engagement with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in recent years. In 2019, India held its first-ever joint commission meeting with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation and build closer ties.
India has also been expanding its diplomatic presence in the region, with new embassies established in countries such as Colombia, El Salvador, and Panama. The move is seen as part of India’s broader strategy to increase its global outreach and build closer ties with countries in strategic regions.
