About Dominica
Dominica, officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island country in the Caribbean. It is known for its lush rainforests, volcanic terrain, and nickname, the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean.”
Key Facts
- Capital: Roseau
- Area: Approximately 750 square kilometers
- Population: Around 72,000
- Official Language: English
- Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Government: Parliamentary Republic
- Independence: Gained from Britain on November 3, 1978
Dominica is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Economic Profile
- Agriculture: Dominica’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly bananas.
- Tourism: A growing sector due to Dominica’s natural beauty, including hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- Citizenship by Investment (CBI): Dominica offers economic citizenship, allowing foreigners to invest in exchange for citizenship. This has become a significant source of revenue.
Relation with India
India and Dominica share warm and friendly relations, primarily through multilateral platforms like the United Nations and the Commonwealth. The bilateral relationship is characterized by cooperation in areas such as trade, education, health, and sustainable development.
Key Aspects of India-Dominica Relations
- Diplomatic Engagement:
- India does not have a resident High Commission in Dominica; the High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago is concurrently accredited to Dominica.
- Dominica has consistently supported India in international forums.
- Development Assistance:
- India has contributed to Dominica’s development through lines of credit and grants.
- India provided assistance under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, focusing on sustainable development projects in Dominica.
- Cultural Ties:
- Indian culture and yoga are promoted in Dominica through Indian missions and cultural outreach.
- There is a small Indian diaspora in Dominica contributing to the cultural exchange.
- Post-Disaster Assistance:
- Following natural disasters like Hurricane Maria in 2017, India extended financial and material aid to support Dominica’s recovery efforts.
- Education and Capacity Building:
- Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program offers training and scholarships to Dominicans in areas like IT, health, and management.
- Students from Dominica have pursued higher education in India under these schemes.
Recent Developments
- Support During COVID-19:
- India supplied vaccines to Dominica under the Vaccine Maitri initiative in 2021. This gesture was highly appreciated by the Dominican government.
- International Cooperation:
- Dominica supported India’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council and its stance on global climate issues.
Future Prospects
- Trade and Investment: Strengthening trade ties, especially in renewable energy, tourism, and healthcare.
- Collaborative Projects: Opportunities for collaboration in climate resilience, disaster management, and digital infrastructure.
- Cultural Exchange: Enhanced people-to-people ties through education, tourism, and cultural outreach programs.
India and Dominica share a relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation, with significant potential for future growth.
