The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) today welcomed the third ambassador from India to be accredited to the Community at a ceremony where CARICOM Secretary General Mr. Edwin Carrington emphasised that India has proven to be a friend of the Region in several areas.

In welcoming Ambassador Avinash Chandra Gupta, the CARICOM Secretary-General stressed that while India had proven to be a leader in a number of important areas, for the CARICOM countries, the areas of trade development, particularly within the context of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and pioneer work with regards to the treatment of HIV/AIDS stood out.

"India as a leader within the Group of 20 developing countries has given a voice to the concerns shared by less developed countries with regard to their exclusion from the world trade process. CARICOM is particularly appreciative of this stance given its continuous lobbying for more equitable terms of trade for developing nations and in particular the small economies," said the CARICOM Secretary-General.

He described India's role in the battle against HIV/AIDS as being proactive and credited the country for generously sharing its expertise in facilitating the production of anti-retroviral drugs in Guyana under an Indian patent.

The Secretary-General added that in the area of information technology, India now sets standards that are envied worldwide and that CARICOM Member States have benefited from this expertise. He emphasised the great expectations of the Region from the cooperation to be pursued under the CARICOM/India Standing Joint Commission on Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination.

In presenting his credential, Ambassador Gupta stressed that CARICOM countries and India share a commitment to democracy and economic development and that this was underscored by the November 2003 signing of the agreement establishing a Standing Joint Commission on Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination.

The newly accredited Ambassador said India was looking forward to support from CARICOM Member States in the global arena, particularly with India's stated interest in full participation in the United Nations Security Council.

Ambassador Gupta stressed that his country would also seek the support of CARICOM Member States towards strengthening the international legal regime to fight terrorism through the early finalisation and adoption of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which has been mooted by India at the UN.

In closing the Parties toasted the Caribbean Community and India and expressed their hope for a mutually beneficial cooperation process.