Embassy of India

The Hague

India-Curaçao Relations: A Growing Partnership

India and Curaçao, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the southern Caribbean, share cordial bilateral ties rooted in historical migration, trade, and cultural exchanges. As an associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Curaçao benefits from India's broader engagement with the region, formalized through the India-CARICOM Summit in 2019 and its 2024 iteration. These forums emphasize cooperation in renewable energy, climate resilience, healthcare, and digital infrastructure, with India extending a US$150 million Line of Credit for solar projects and capacity-building initiatives.  Consular jurisdiction of Curacao shifted in June 2022 from the Embassy of India in Caracas, Venezuela, to the Embassy in Panama.

High-level visits underscore warming relations. In June 2007, India's Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi, met Curaçao's then-Prime Minister Emily de Jongh-Elhage to address visa issues and boost economic ties. More recently, in August 2023, Curaçao's Minister of Economic Development, Ruisandro Cijntje, hosted India's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Reenat Sandhu, discussing investments in IT, tourism, and trade facilitation via Curaçao's Free Trade Zone. On December 2, 2025, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas welcomed Ambassador Kumar Tuhin, reaffirming historical bonds and exploring physician exchanges with local universities like Avalon and St. Martinus. Bilateral trade remains modest, hovering below US$10 million annually, focused on Indian textiles, spices, and pharmaceuticals imported by the diaspora for local and regional re-export. Challenges include lengthy shipping routes (45-60 days from India) and higher costs compared to Asian competitors. Yet, potential abounds in Curaçao's offshore finance, tourism, and logistics sectors, aligning with India's "Open Arms" investment policy.

The Indian Community in Curaçao: Profile and Heritage

The Indian diaspora in Curaçao numbers around 1200-1300, predominantly Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) from Sindh, with smaller groups of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from states like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Today, they form a vibrant, entrepreneurial minority in a multi-ethnic society.

Profiles vary: Many are second- or third-generation business families, fluent in Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Hindi/Urdu. Younger NRIs include skilled professionals in oil refining (e.g., at the Isla refinery) and finance,. Culturally, they maintain Hindu traditions via a prominent temple in Willemstad, Diwali celebrations, and Indian eateries, fostering community cohesion.

Contributions to Curaçao's Economy

The Indian community significantly bolsters Curaçao's high-income economy (GDP per capita ~US$20,000, driven by services at 80% of GDP). As retailers and wholesalers, they dominate downtown Willemstad's commerce, operating chains like Boolchand's—headquartered in Curaçao with outlets across Aruba, Sint Maarten, and the US Virgin Islands—selling electronics, jewelry, and apparel. In the Free Trade Zone, Sindhi firms export Indian goods to Latin America, generating jobs and forex inflows. Indian entrepreneurs  employ locals, supporting tourism (1.5 million visitors annually) through duty-free imports. Their remittances and re-exports enhance trade diversity, while professionals in energy and IT aid Curaçao's blue economy push, including sustainable reef projects. Local leaders, including Prime Ministers, praise their role in economic vitality and social integration

Honorary Consul: Jagdish Seth Mirpuri

Jagdish Seth Mirpuri serves as the Honorary Consul of India in Curaçao, facilitating consular services, diaspora welfare, and bilateral promotion under the Embassy of India, the Hague. A respected Sindhi business leader, he bridges communities through trade advocacy and cultural events. Contact: Honorary Consulate of India, c/o Mirpuri Group, Scharlooweg 147, Willemstad, Curaçao; Tel: +599-9-465-1234;