Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne has expressed sincere appreciation to the outgoing Indian High Commissioner for his service and contribution to strengthening diplomatic relations between Antigua and Barbuda and the Republic of India, during a farewell visit held ahead of the High Commissioner’s departure at the end of his tour of duty.
Prime Minister Browne described the farewell meeting as “bittersweet,” noting that while the Government is pleased that the High Commissioner Dr. Amit Telang is returning to New Delhi to take up a new assignment, Antigua and Barbuda is also saddened by his early departure, having benefited significantly from his tenure. The Prime Minister lauded the High Commissioner as a “strong friend and ally” and thanked him for helping to deepen cooperation and expand engagement between both countries during the last several years.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Browne underscored that Antigua and Barbuda views India as an inspiration, particularly as a small island state pursuing resilient prosperity in a changing global environment. He referenced India’s remarkable economic expansion over the last decade and commended the country’s growing position as one of the world’s leading economies. The Prime Minister indicated that Antigua and Barbuda is keen to further strengthen bilateral relations with India as both nations continue on a path of growth and development.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of Antigua and Barbuda diversifying its global partnerships and building new opportunities in trade, investment, and development cooperation, particularly amid increasing challenges and uncertainty within traditional markets in North America and Europe. Prime Minister Browne stated that Antigua and Barbuda intends to position itself to benefit from emerging opportunities, including expanding direct trade and creating new channels of economic cooperation with India.
A key area discussed during the farewell visit was the need for strengthened people-to-people exchanges and improved movement between both countries to support trade and business development. Prime Minister Browne noted that while visa arrangements exist, there may be scope to expand access in a way that facilitates greater travel for businesspersons, investors and students. The Prime Minister stated that increased mobility between the two countries would assist in expanding trade, deepening cultural ties, and strengthening long-term economic cooperation.
High Commissioner Telang, in response, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Browne and the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, describing his tenure as fruitful and impactful, with cooperation between both countries intensifying during the period. He also commended Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership and successful hosting of the SIDS Summit, and conveyed his best wishes for the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), noting India’s interest in continued engagement and collaboration.
The High Commissioner further affirmed India’s willingness to support Antigua and Barbuda in priority areas, indicating that discussions have advanced on proposals including initiatives in the solar energy sector. He noted that Indian companies had already visited Antigua and Barbuda and that a proposal was nearing completion for submission through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister Browne welcomed the prospective cooperation in renewable energy and highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s interest in accessing financing and partnerships through India’s solar development initiatives. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and pursuing stable, clean, and reliable energy solutions for national resilience and sustainability.
At the conclusion of the visit, Prime Minister Browne extended best wishes to the outgoing High Commissioner in his new assignment and encouraged him to continue to serve as a strong advocate for Antigua and Barbuda within India. The Prime Minister also expressed optimism that the incoming High Commissioner will build on the solid foundation established, as both nations pursue expanded cooperation, deeper friendship, and mutually beneficial progress. (Ends)
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