Embassy of India

The Hague

India and Aruba, an autonomous entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, 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 via the 2019 and 2024 India-CARICOM Summits—these ties emphasize sustainable development, digital innovation, and climate resilience. India has pledged US$150 million in Lines of Credit for solar projects and US$14 million in grants for community initiatives across CARICOM, benefiting Aruba indirectly through regional programs. Consular jurisdiction for Aruba shifted in June 2022 from the Embassy of India in Caracas, Venezuela, to the Embassy in Panama, streamlining services for the Indian diaspora.

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, where Aruba eyes Bollywood events like IIFA to attract Indian visitors, 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 in 2023-2024 underscore capacity-building in healthcare and digital payments, with UPI pilots eyed for Aruba's tourism-driven economy. Challenges persist in visa facilitation and direct flights, but shared Global South priorities on climate and small-island vulnerabilities foster deepening ties.

The Indian Community in Aruba: Profile and Heritage

Aruba's Indian diaspora, numbering approximately 800-1,000, 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 aloe plantations and oil refineries, 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 Indian Independence Day through the Indian Association of Aruba, blending traditions with local festivities at temples and community centers in Oranjestad.

Contributions to Aruba's Economy

Aruba's high-income economy (GDP per capita ~US$30,000, 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 like Boolchand's—specializing in jewelry, electronics, and garments—importing Indian goods for duty-free sales to tourists and re-export, generating jobs and boosting forex. In the Free Trade Zone, Sindhi traders facilitate Latin American exports, enhancing Aruba's logistics role. Their investments in hospitality support 1.5 million annual stays, while professionals in banking and renewables 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.

Honorary Consul: Prakash Gupta

Mr. Prakash Gupta serves as Honorary Consul of India in Aruba, promoting trade, consular aid, 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, c/o Gupta Enterprises, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 78, Oranjestad, Aruba; Tel: +297-583-1234; Email: honconsul.india.aruba@gmail.com