Context:
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the India–SICA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
- The meeting highlights India’s engagement with Central America and its growing role as a strategic partner in the region.
- The discussion focused on regional cooperation, economic opportunities, and South–South collaboration.
About SICA (Central American Integration System)
1. Overview:
- Full Name: Central American Integration System (SICA)
- Purpose: Institutional framework to govern and facilitate regional integration in Central America
- Secretariat Location: El Salvador
- Establishment: Created under the Tegucigalpa Protocol on 13 December 1991, updating the earlier ODECA Charter
- Operational Since: 1 February 1993
- International Status: Recognized by UN General Assembly (Resolution A/48 L, 1993)
2. Membership:
- Founding States (6): Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
- Later Members (2): Belize, Dominican Republic
- Extra-Regional Observers: European Union, UK, Spain, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and India (designated partner)
3. Aims:
- Peace & Stability: Consolidate peace, liberty, democracy, and overall development
- Governance: Promote human rights and rule of law
- Economic Integration: Move from a Free Trade Area toward a full Customs Union
- Regional Cohesion: Develop infrastructure, a unified visa/passport system, and common global positions
4. Functions:
- Leadership: Hosts biannual summits, with rotating presidency every six months
- Policy Coordination: Aligns regional policies on trade, customs union, climate action, food security, and energy cooperation
- Diplomatic Platform: Facilitates collective diplomacy to present unified positions on global forums
Significance for India
- Strategic Partnership: Provides a platform for South–South cooperation on poverty, development, and climate change
- Economic Opportunities: Opens avenues for Indian expertise in agriculture, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, IT, and digital payments (e.g., UPI model)
Conclusion:
- SICA represents a key regional bloc in Central America promoting peace, democracy, and economic integration.
- India’s engagement strengthens bilateral and multilateral cooperation, enhancing trade, technology exchange, and diplomatic influence in the region.
- The partnership reflects India’s commitment to global South–South collaboration and presents opportunities for mutual growth and development.
Source : THE ECONOMIC TIMES
