New Delhi: The external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, has concluded his visit to Antigua and Barbuda after representing India at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). During the visit, he held meetings with Caribbean leaders and discussed ways to strengthen India’s cooperation with Commonwealth countries.
Jaishankar met the Antigua and Barbuda prime minister, Gaston Browne; foreign minister, Paul Chet Greene; and governor general, Sir Rodney Williams. He also met the Guyana president, Irfaan Ali, and held meetings with the British prime minister, Andy Burnham and Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said he called on Browne and conveyed prime minister, Narendra Modi, warm wishes. He also congratulated Browne on successfully hosting CHOGM 2026. The two discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy and food processing.
He also met Paul Chet Greene, both sides agreed to intensify cooperation in healthcare, education, small and medium enterprises, training and capacity building. According to Jaishankar’s post they also exchanged views on the recently concluded CHOGM 2026.
During his meeting with Irfaan Ali on Thursday, Jaishankar reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation, particularly following Modi’s visit in 2024. He announced an extension of a US dollar 500 million line of credit for roads, healthcare and defence projects.
The two countries also signed agreements on the supply and installation of manufacturing projects for MSEs. Other agreements covered grant assistance for quick impact projects and cooperation in digital public infrastructure (DPI), including the development and functioning of a UPI-like payment system in Guyana.
On the sidelines of CHOGM 2026, Jaishankar met Andy Burnham. He conveyed Modi’s warm wishes and discussed strengthening India-UK economic ties in the context of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta). They also exchanged views on the global landscape.
Addressing the Commonwealth Heads of Government and Business Leaders Breakfast Meeting at the Retreat, Jaishankar called for greater economic cooperation among member countries. He said Commonwealth partners need to de-risk and diversify through shorter and trusted supply chains.
He also highlighted the importance of connectivity corridors and stronger local distribution networks for businesses. He called for greater investment in training and capacity building, adding that the Indian business community across the world was an asset for the Commonwealth.
Jaishankar described digital technology as a game changer for efficiency, good governance and economic growth. He also highlighted the importance of skills mobility among Commonwealth countries.
On climate action, he said the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure could be leveraged by Commonwealth partners. Drawing on India’s first responder experience and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) activities, he also called attention to the need for local hubs.
Representing India at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Executive Session, Jaishankar highlighted the role of digital public infrastructure in promoting good governance and financial responsibility. He said India’s experience showed how it could democratize economies by expanding opportunities.
He also spoke about India’s recent free trade agreements and ongoing negotiations. He said such agreements would help ensure predictable trade and build resilient supply chains.