Support is being provided under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund which was launched by the Government of India in June 2017
India is providing funding support for USD 246,852.71 from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, for a project aimed at bolstering early warning services to communities in Suriname. The Government of Suriname issued a request as part of their efforts to enhance resilience against flooding, resulting from excessive rainfall.

According to information provided by India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations last week, climate change and extreme weather events pose pressing challenges in Suriname, necessitating an advanced next-generation weather forecasting workstation.

The proposed project entails the procurement and installation of an Automatic Weather Station and Automatic Water Level Stations. These will add to the National HydroMet Network, thus enhancing the monitoring of rainfall and flood situations, and thereby fortifying the foundation of an effective early warning system. A cutting-edge ArcGIS cloud-based geospatial platform will be developed to analyse areas prone to susceptibility to flooding.

It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with the leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in New York in September 2019. Prime Minister Modi underscored the intention to foster partnerships with CARICOM countries in a manner that effectively addresses the unique needs and priorities of the CARICOM region. This commitment reflects India’s unwavering dedication to strengthen its bilateral relations with the CARICOM nations.

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj stated: “India has consistently supported Suriname through a variety of community development projects, extending concessional lines of credit, and providing humanitarian assistance whenever required. This project, aimed at establishing an early climate warning system, will undoubtedly save lives, empower businesses to adapt their operations, and safeguard valuable property.”

The India-UN Development Partnership Fund was initiated by the Government of India in June 2017. It stands as a beacon of support for projects in developing nations that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It is principled on ideas of South-South cooperation, national ownership and leadership, equality, sustainability, capacity development, and mutual benefit.

The Government of India has pledged a total of USD 150 million, over the next decade, for the fund. To date, the fund has successfully supported 75 development projects spanning 56 countries. Over the past few years, the fund has allocated finances for projects ranging from poverty reduction and clearing land mines to climate disaster risk financing and maternal health services.

India-Suriname bilateral relations span sectors such as trade and commerce, development partnership, capacity building, agriculture and people-to-people ties. Suriname has been supportive of India in the international fora. The strong bilateral relations between the two countries have resulted in significant development projects, including India's support during the Covid-19 pandemic and the approval of 19 projects under the Quick Impact Projects (QIP) program.

President Droupadi Murmu visited Suriname from June 4-6, 2023, in an effort to further strengthen India's bilateral relations with the nation that is based on deep historical and cultural connections. The visit coincided with the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Suriname.

This visit came within six months of Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi’s visit to India from January 7-13 this year to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as a special guest of honour. He was felicitated with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award in 2021. While in India, in addition to meeting President Murmu, he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explore possible areas of collaboration. He also attended the Voice the Global South Summit that was hosted virtually by India.