India and Aruba, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the southern Caribbean located just 27 km off the northern coast of Venezuela, maintain warm bilateral relations anchored in trade, diaspora ties, and regional cooperation through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), where Aruba holds observer status. As part of India's broader engagement with CARICOM—formalized through the 2019 and 2024 India-CARICOM Summits—these ties emphasize sustainable development, digital innovation, and capacity building among others. At the 2019 Summit, PM Modi had announced a USD 14 million grant for community development projects in the CARICOM and another 150 million Line of Credit for solar, renewable energy and climate- change related projects. Consular jurisdiction for Aruba shifted in June 2022 from the Embassy of India in Caracas, Venezuela, to the Embassy in Panama.

Aruba was given internal autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1986. It is considered an important tourist destination and its economy heavily depends on tourism, especially from US visitors. The US Dollar is preferred and widely accepted though the Aruban Florin is the official currency. Most of the major international hotel chains have hotels and resorts on the island and all major US airlines and leading European ones fly to Aruba. Aruba has an area of 180 square kilometers, and a population of 108 thousand. Dutch, English and Spanish are widely spoken languages in addition to native Papiamento. While Aruba enjoys internal autonomy, subjects related to defence, national sovereignty, foreign relations, citizenship, extradition etc. are dealt with by the national government in the Netherlands. The Kingdom concludes international agreements on behalf of Aruba for which Aruba is fully consulted and it is up to them to decide whether they are affected, except in matters such as defence etc. which are in full control of the Central Government.

The King of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is the Head of State and is represented in Aruba by a Governor appointed by him for a six-year term, after which he or she may be reappointed for one more term. Executive power is in the hands of a Council of Ministers headed by an elected Prime Minister. The 21-member Parliament (Staten) is elected every four years on the basis of a multi-party system. Aruba’s judicial system, which has been derived mainly from the Dutch, operates independently of the legislature and the executive. Jurisdiction, including appeal, lies with the Common Court of Justice (shared with Curacao, Sint Maarten and the BES islands) and the Supreme Court of Justice in the Netherlands.

Bilateral trade, though modest at under US$1 million annually, focuses on Indian exports of textiles, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals, with Aruba importing generic medicines and spices for re-export via its Free Trade Zone—a strategic gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. Aruba promotes its zone to Indian IT and pharma firms, aligning with India's "Make in India" push. Potential sectors include tourism, and offshore banking, leveraging Aruba's tax incentives. High-level exchanges, such as the 2007 visit by Aruba's Prime Minister Nelson Oduber to India—culminating in an MOU with Emcure Pharmaceuticals—highlight economic intent, though there are logistical hurdles like long shipping times (30-45 days). Recent CARICOM-India dialogues underscore capacity-building in healthcare and digital payments. Challenges persist in visa facilitation and direct flights, but shared Global South priorities on climate and small-island vulnerabilities foster deepening ties. In a letter addressed to then PM Manmohan Singh, Nelson Oduber had condemned the 2008 Mumbai attacks and expressed condolences and sympathy for the pain and loss suffered by the Indian people. Ambassador Mr. Kumar Tuhin paid a courtesy calls on Governor H.E. Alfonso Boekhoudt on December 4, 2025 and Prime Minister H.E. Mike Eman on December 5, 2025. During the meeting, PM Eman shared how Mahatma Gandhi’s life & philosophy left a lasting impact on him. Both sides discussed ideas to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in the areas of culture and people to people exchanges. Lively exchange on exploring opportunities in healthcare, Yoga, IT and capacity building programmes. Prime Minister Eman also warmly acknowledged the contributions of the Indian diaspora to Aruba’s social and economic fabric.

The Indian Community in Aruba: Profile and Heritage

Aruba's Indian diaspora, numbering approximately 800, comprises Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), forming a tight-knit, entrepreneurial group within the island's multi-ethnic fabric . Tracing roots to early 20th-century migrations from Sindh as traders  in all kinds of retail commodities, the community has evolved into established families fluent in Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Hindi/Sindhi. Profiles include second- and third-generation business owners in retail, alongside younger NRIs in hospitality, finance, and IT, drawn by Aruba's stability and low unemployment (~5%). Culturally vibrant, they celebrate Diwali, Holi, and Independence Day through the Indian Association of Aruba, blending traditions with local festivities at temples and community centers in Oranjestad. The Indian Community also actively participates in annual Multi Cultural Festivals organized by the Department of Culture in Aruba on UNESCO DAY. Overall, the Indian community in Aruba represents a well-integrated and entrepreneurial diaspora, contributing positively to the island’s economic, social, cultural, and sporting landscape while maintaining strong ties with India.

Contributions to Aruba's Economy

Aruba's high-income economy (GDP per capita ~US$34,000, 80% services-driven) thrives on tourism (2+ million visitors yearly) and offshore finance, with the Indian community pivotal in retail and trade. Dominating Oranjestad's commercial hubs, they operate chains of businesses across ABC islands & St Maarten—specializing in jewelry, electronics, sourvenirs, garments and home goods—importing amongst others, Indian goods for sales to tourists and locals alike and re-export to nearby islands, generating jobs and boosting forex. Their investments in hospitality support 1.5 million annual stays, while professionals in banking, finance and medical education aid diversification from oil (refinery closed 2009). Remittances and cultural tourism infusions promote social integration, earning praise for sustaining economic vitality in a post-COVID rebound. Consular matters dominate the links between Embassy of India and the people of Curacao mainly because of Indian and PIO communities residing there.

Honorary Consul to Aruba: Prakash Gupta

Mr. Prakash Gupta serves as Honorary Consul of India in Aruba, supporting trade, consular facilitation, bilateral engagement in diverse areas and diaspora welfare under the Embassy of India, the Hague. A prominent business leader with deep community roots, he facilitates cultural events and economic linkages. Contact: Honorary Consulate of India, Seroe Blanco, 52-F, Oranjestad, Aruba; Tel: +297-493-2552; Email: Prakash@cibaruba.com