India Grenada Relations: Trade Agreement, Summit, Partnership - UPSC Notes

India’s engagement with Grenada continues to expand through diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation. Grenada, positioned in the Caribbean / North America, is crucial to maintaining international stability and security. The year 1975 marked the start of diplomatic relations between India and Grenada, fostering long-term cooperation. India and Grenada maintain a High Commission of India, Port of Spain, concurrently accredited, operating embassies in each others capitals to strengthen diplomatic relations. The India-Grenada relationship is of Part of CARICOM, support in international forums, with defense collaboration, economic partnerships, cultural interactions, and aligned global security priorities forming key components. 

• India and Grenada cooperate in Capacity building, education, ICT, health, community development, culture such as defense, nuclear energy, trade, space, oil and gas, cybersecurity, culture, and education. 
• India and Grenada have forged important partnerships through agreements in MoU for ICT Centre for Excellence (2008) to foster greater cooperation. 
• India and Grenada recorded a trade value of USD 631 million (2023-24), marking a significant boost in bilateral trade. 
• As part of steady trade relations, India exports Vehicles, pharmaceuticals, iron & steel, tobacco, apparel to Grenada to meet shared economic interests. 
• India mainly imports Coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery, copper, iron & steel from Grenada as part of their regular and long-standing trade ties. 

India works closely with Grenada in ITEC training slots, ICT Centre, scholarships to improve learning access and research opportunities. We’ve discussed Role of Diaspora, Cultural Linkages, and Recent Agreements Signed with India Grenada Relations, which are highly useful for GS Paper 2 and international affairs in PSIR. 

India Grenada Relations Establishment of Diplomatic Ties

Initial engagements, including A total of 3,200 Indians arrived in Grenada between 1857 and 1885, have shaped the trajectory of bilateral ties. Diplomatic ties between India and Grenada were strengthened through historic visits like Grenadian PM to India (2006), Indian MoS to Grenada (2018, 2024). 

• India and Grenada have built their relationship through phases like Ongoing cooperation, development partnership, cultural exchange.

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Strategic & Political Cooperation of India Grenada Relations

The significance of India and Grenada ties is of Part of CARICOM, support in international forums, highlighted by their defense cooperation, economic collaboration, cultural exchanges, and common objectives in global security. 

• ICT Centre for Excellence and Innovation promotes digital cooperation between India and Grenada, enhancing mutual trust, cybersecurity, and technological progress. 
• India and Grenada work together under CARICOM, Commonwealth, UN, ISA to find solutions to global issues like climate change, trade, and security. 
• USD 150M LOC for CARICOM climate change projects plays a key role in India–Grenada ties, facilitating joint ventures in both renewable and conventional energy sectors. 
• India and Grenada are enhancing bilateral relations through agreements like Visa waiver for Indian tourists (2011), e-Tourist visa for Grenadians to promote people-to-people connectivity. 

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Trade and Economic Overview of India Grenada Relations

• In order to deepen bilateral relations, India and Grenada have committed to agreements in key areas such as MoU for ICT Centre for Excellence (2008). 
• India and Grenada report a trade volume of USD 631 million (2023-24), signaling further growth in their economic engagement. 
• Regular platforms like India-CARICOM Summits, often taking place every year or two, are held to boost and evaluate trade and investment relations. 
• The extension of multiple Part of USD 150M for CARICOM climate projects by India and Grenada aims to promote sustainable economic development and strengthen financial cooperation. 
• Bilateral trade data shows exports from Grenada to India at USD 191 million (2023-24). 
• Among India’s main exports to Grenada are Vehicles, pharmaceuticals, iron & steel, tobacco, apparel, reflecting strong and balanced trade between the two countries. 

India exported products to Grenada amounting to USD 440 million (2023-24). Small-scale businesses are among the key Indian players operating in Grenada across various sectors.

Socio-Cultural & Diaspora Engagement

The deep connection of the diaspora in both India and Grenada plays a crucial role in advancing Cultural promotion, fostering ties, business. Indian Arrival Day, Phagwa/Holi celebrated, ICCR events help India and the partner country celebrate their differences and find common ground. Through ITEC scholarships, St George's University faculty/students, both countries are exchanging ideas and growing in the field of learning. 

• The Indian-origin population in Grenada helps solidify the cultural and economic ties between the two countries. 
• India and Grenada use Development aid, capacity building, cultural diplomacy to fortify their strategic stance and boost their global influence.

India Grenada Relations Recent Developments

Continued momentum in India–Grenada relations is visible through consistent Indian MoS External Affairs to Grenada (October 2024) by senior leaders.  

• As part of their bilateral agenda, India and Grenada are pursuing Mt Horne Child Development Centre, New incinerator project. 
• While the partnership is strong, Small market size, distance affecting trade continue to require policy-level attention. 
• The bilateral agenda includes advancing Strengthening ties in trade, ICT, health, climate change across innovation, trade, and diplomacy.

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UPSC Relevance of India Grenada Relations

• UPSC Prelims often asks about MoUs, recent diplomatic events, and bilateral cooperation, making this topic high-yield.
• Economic cooperation and trade agreements with Grenada support GS3 answers related to India’s external sector and economic diplomacy.
• The bilateral framework showcases how India’s foreign policy aligns with constitutional and ethical principles.
• For Anthropology or Sociology, diaspora dynamics offer relevant case material on migration and cultural integration.