St. Kitts and Nevis: Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Denzil Douglas has made his remarks at the opening ceremony of the High Commission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of India. The occasion was observed officially on Tuesday, April 07, 2026 in the capital New Delhi.
The event also welcomed the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India – Dr. S. Jaishankar, High Commissioner of St. Kitts and Nevis to the republic of India – Gurdip Dev Bath, along with the Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, other distinguished dignitaries and special guests.
Douglas extended his remarks on the behalf of the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis – Dr. Terrance Drew, the government and the citizens. With this he earmarked the historic occasion of opening of the High Commission of St. Kitts and Nevis to India.
According to Douglas, establishment of a resident diplomatic mission in another country such as India, is the most awaited and significant achievement in bilateral relations to begin modern diplomacy. It symbolises clear intention to move forward and actually deliver. It translates shared priorities into practical cooperation that creates meaningful opportunities for the people.
This principle reflects strong and evolving partnership between the St. Kitts and Nevis and India. It has further flourished the diplomatic engagement of 41 years, marking a milestone of deep friendship and renewed commitment by the government to elevate this partnership to new heights.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis further redefined the foreign policy ecosystem to confront the demands of rapidly changing geopolitical realities. Douglas stated that it is very important to reaffirm the significance of the partnership of India.
The Very First in Eastern Caribbean
It is a very proud moment for St. Kitts and Nevis, as it has become the first country in the eastern Caribbean to establish a resident diplomatic mission in India. Also, it is the fifth CARICOM Member State overall, that has made a strategic and deliberate investment in a relationship they believe that holds “immense promise” for the coming future.
The twin island and India have stood as a true champion of South-South Cooperation. They have worked innovatively and practically to support development in areas, such as:
- Capacity Building
- Industrialisation
- Education
- Health
- Agriculture
- Information and Communications Technology
Catalyst for Sustainable Island State Agenda
Minister Denzil Douglas confirmed that the High Commission will serve as a catalyst for sustainable development cooperation to advance the Sustainable Island State Agenda of the Federation. Also, it will majorly prioritise renewable energy, climate resilience, technology transfer, education and investment diversification.
Furthermore, it will foster deeper connections that will advance broader South-South Cooperation between the countries. It will deliver tangible benefits for the people.
Douglas said, “He is confident that under the distinguished leadership of Dev Bath, this mission is well-positioned to deliver the ambitious agenda in this city and will be successfully realised.”
Visit to India in 2023
Denzil Douglas recalled his last visit to India which took place three years ago, in 2023. The visit included productive discussions with Dr. Jaishankar that included his recognition of the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and his willingness to pursue what he described as “granular” cooperation.
The discussions touched the matters such as clean energy transition, geothermal potential, medical cooperation, ICT and Digital Skills.
Considering this, the Foreign Affairs Minister stated that establishment of this mission places them in far stronger position to ensure that such discussions materialise from goodwill into practical outcomes for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and India.
New Office Opens New Chapter b/w India and St. Kitts and Nevis
The new office has opened new chapter in relations between the two countries. Considering this opportunity, Minister Douglas appreciated Gurdip Dev Bath and staff of the High Commission for their diligent work in helping to make this mission successful with excellent arrangements for the evening ceremony.
Douglas expects that this High Commission will serve as a visible symbol of the strong bonds. It will endure presence and the shared commitment for deeper cooperation, stronger people-to-people ties, meaningful engagement and shared prosperity in the years ahead.