MAHARISHI: India and Suriname Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Agricultural Collaboration

In a significant diplomatic move, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar welcomed Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation of Suriname, Mr. Albert R. Ramdin, for discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral ties between the two nations.

During their meeting, Minister Tomar expressed his satisfaction with the recent Joint Working Group on Agriculture and allied sectors, held on November 15, 2023. He lauded the progress made in implementing the work plan for 2023-2027 and emphasized the importance of initiatives such as the Deccan High-Level Principles for Food Security and Nutrition and the Millets and other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI).

The Deccan High-Level Principles and MAHARISHI, launched during India's G20 Presidency, are poised to address global challenges related to food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition. Minister Tomar extended an invitation to Suriname to join the MAHARISHI initiative, headquartered at the Indian Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad, with the goal of promoting millet cultivation globally.

Highlighting the strong foundation of bilateral relations, Tomar applauded Suriname's efforts in millet cultivation and Ayurveda and offered India's expertise in agricultural technology, including drones and agri-stack, to support Suriname's development.

Minister Tomar expressed gratitude for the invitation extended by Mr. Albert R. Ramdin to visit Suriname, demonstrating the commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.

In response, Mr. Albert R. Ramdin acknowledged that the meeting marks a crucial step in fortifying bilateral relations. Stressing the imminent challenges of food and energy security, he highlighted the potential for collaboration between India and Suriname in addressing these concerns. Mr. Ramdin revealed that Suriname has initiated a millet cultivation project and expressed interest in joining the MAHARISHI initiative.

The Surinamese Foreign Affairs Minister outlined areas for potential collaboration, including training and study visits, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing in climate change, germplasm exchange, and food processing. He disclosed Suriname's plans to establish an Ayurveda health center and sought India's cooperation in cultivating medicinal plants.

As both nations look to deepen cooperation in agriculture, technology, and healthcare, the meeting lays the foundation for a strengthened partnership between India and Suriname. The shared commitment to addressing global challenges underscores the potential for impactful collaboration in the years to come.