INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER PAYS COURTESY CALL ON PRIME MINISTER  

ST.GEORGE’S, JUNE 9, 2009 -- Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, welcomed India’s High Commissioner to Grenada, His Excellency Malay Mishra, to his Botanical Gardens office this morning.

The two men discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations, including Indian assistance to Grenada in the areas of Agriculture, technology transfer and ICT, Culture and Trade and business investment.

“We can develop a framework for deepening our collaboration. We can identify the priority areas and we will work according to your requests and your needs, the Indian High Commissioner told Prime Minister Thomas, who welcomed the commitment to assist.

“We look forward to working with you to improve these areas, because we believe technology can be used to enhance our distance learning capability and help to decentralize education and reduce the cost for those who travel from one part of the country to the next,” Prime Minister Thomas said.

He also commended the Indian government for its ongoing assistance to the redevelopment of the nutmeg sector, following the loss of almost 90 percent of the industry, following the passage of Hurricanes Ivan and Emily in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

The Prime Minister was also invited to visit India, which is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

The Grenadian leader used the opportunity to support a growing international call for the modernization of the United Nations and the expansion of the Security Council. His call was supported by H.E Mishra, who sought Grenada’s support for India’s bid to become a non permanent member of the UN Security Council.

In the area of culture, the High Commissioner pledged his country’s support for activities to revive Indian culture in Grenada, with specific reference to the May 3rd commemoration of the first landing of Indians in Sauteurs.

The Discussions with Prime Minister Thomas also spoke of the importance of support for the small and medium business sectors and their importance to the economy.

H.E Mishra announced the visit to Trinidad and Tobago of an Indian Trade Mission in August. He invited interested Grenadian businessmen to visit Trinidad to meet with the mission.

The High Commissioner also met with Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Hon. Peter David.