India leading efforts to boost Global South cooperation: Caribbean grouping chief

Career diplomat and Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Noemi Espinoza Madrid, on Thursday praised India’s efforts in building cooperation among Global South countries. The ACS grouping, which includes India as an official Observer State, views India’s involvement as an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation.

"India is one of the best known countries for South-South cooperation," Madrid told India Today at the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

She further observed that there is more cohesion among Global South countries now than when the ACS was formed three decades back, reflecting a positive shift in international relations.

On climate change and the Caribbean’s expectations from the international community, Espinoza Madrid emphasised the need for action over blame, saying, "It’s not about failures, but how we can find solutions."

Investment in regional environmental projects is a key priority for the Caribbean grouping, Espinoza Madrid told India Today. Describing mangroves as "the lungs of the world," she urged global partners to take part in restoration efforts that would benefit both the Caribbean and the wider world. On financing, she said the required investment is "not as much as you would think to restore our planet."

Despite political differences among Caribbean nations, Espinoza Madrid underlined the ACS’s commitment to unity and cooperation. She noted that member states find common ground on issues that unite them, such as the ocean and borders.

Regional sovereignty remains a guiding principle, she further told India Today. The Secretary General affirmed the ACS’s role in supporting the sovereignty of its members and navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, including ongoing engagements with member states such as Venezuela.

Espinoza Madrid said Venezuela remains a member state of the Association of Caribbean States and that the grouping fully respects the sovereignty of all its members. She noted that bilateral relations - particularly with the United States, which is not associated with the ACS - are "beyond the realm of our action." The ACS, she added, will continue to engage with Venezuela as the country moves into its next phase.

While there are concerns about the safety and stability of the region due to international tensions,Madrid maintains that the ACS prioritises the well-being of its people. She reiterated the organisation’s focus on neutrality and practical cooperation, with hope for increased collaboration from observer states such as India.

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