New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (local time) chaired a meeting with member states of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) in New York on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and announced a grant of $14 million for several community development projects. Apart from this, Prime Minister also granted an additional $150 million Line of Credit for solar, renewable energy and climate change related projects, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. This was India's first ever meeting with the CARICOM leaders with a focus on fighting climate change and increasing India's participation with the grouping.

During his meeting, PM Modi also announced the setting up of the Regional Center for Excellence in Information Technology in Georgetown, Guyana and the Regional Vocational Training Center in Belize by upgrading the existing India-funded centers in these countries. The Caricom grouping has 15 members-states and five associate members.

According to reports, leaders and representatives from Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago attended the meeting on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly Session.

Caricom countries came together in 1973 to form an economic and political community that works jointly to shape policies for the region and encourages economic growth and trade. PM Modi also invited them to join the International Solar Alliance, a grouping of over 122 countries initiated by India, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

"I welcome your gesture to attend this meeting. My country is fighting against some of today's pressing problems like climate change and poverty," PM Modi said during his welcome address to the group of leaders of CARICOM. The Prime Minister also expressed his condolences on the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian in the region and the worst-hit island of Bahamas to which India has provided immediate financial assistance of USD 1 million.

"Today's meeting focuses on India's participation with the CARICOM nations in energising our today's requirements and future expectations in areas of mutual cooperation. I hope every one of us will pour in important suggestions from their side today," PM Modi said.

"Underscoring our historic and warm ties with Caribbean countries, PM @narendramodi is hosting the India-CARICOM Leaders' Meeting on the margins of #UNGA," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. According to reports, leaders of 14 Caribbean countries participated in the meeting.

PM Modi, in his departure note, had said that the India-CARICOM leaders' meeting will "take forward our vibrant South-South cooperation and partnership with them." While concluding his speech, PM also recalled the presence of more than a million-strong Indian diaspora as a vibrant and enduring link of friendship with the Caribbean.