India and Sint Maarten, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Leeward Islands, enjoy friendly bilateral relations shaped by a long established Indian diaspora, commercial engagement, and growing regional linkages through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), where Sint Maarten holds associate membership. 

Humanitarian Engagement and Early Cooperation

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, India engaged directly with Sint Maarten by mounting a humanitarian evacuation operation during a period of severe disruption to air connectivity. The Government of India deployed two evacuation aircraft, which were opened not only to Indian nationals but also to residents of Sint Maarten and other stranded persons. The operation, coordinated through regional diplomatic channels, provided critical relief at a time when commercial evacuation options were unavailable and reflected India’s inclusive humanitarian approach and responsiveness in times of crisis.

Regional Engagement through CARICOM

These early engagements were subsequently reinforced through India’s expanded outreach to the Caribbean region via the India-CARICOM Summit processes held in 2019 and 2024. Cooperation under these frameworks has focused on renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, healthcare, climate resilience, and capacity building for Small Island Developing States. India announced a US$150 million Line of Credit for solar energy projects and US$14 million in grant assistance for training and institutional strengthening, contributing indirectly to resilience in tourism-dependent Caribbean economies, including Sint Maarten.

Consular oversight for Sint Maarten transitioned in June 2022 from the Embassy of India in Caracas to the Embassy of India Panama. 

Trade and Economic Cooperation

Bilateral trade between India and Sint Maarten remains modest, estimated at under US$5 million annually, and is primarily driven by Indian exports such as textiles, garments, spices, and pharmaceuticals, many of which are re-exported through Sint Maarten’s Free Trade Zone to markets in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Opportunities for expanded cooperation exist in information technology services, tourism promotion  and offshore finance/logistics.  In line with India’s outward-looking trade and investment policies. The 2024 CARICOM- India Summit emphasized seven pillars: Trade, Human Resource Development, Climate Resilience, Digital Innovation, Defense, Energy and Cultural ties, with Sint Maarten benefiting from Scholarships and capacity building. Challenges include Visa delays and Hurricane vulnerabilities.  Cultural Exchanges are maintained through Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) troupes, with last sent in 2009 which was very much appreciated and drew large crowds by organizing joint performances.

The Indian Community in Sint Maarten: Profile and Heritage

The Indian diaspora in Sint Maarten comprises approximately 5,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), forming a well-integrated, dynamic minority within the island’s multicultural society of over 130 nationalities. Predominantly Sindhi merchants who began arriving 50–60 years ago, the community established strong commercial foundations and has since evolved into a dynamic contributor to Sint Maarten’s economic and social life.  The community is characterized by family-run enterprises, inter-generational continuity, and a high degree of social integration, with multilingual capabilities in English, Dutch, Papiamento, and Hindi/Sindhi. Younger generations increasingly pursue professional careers in hospitality, finance, and services.

Cultural Life and Community Institutions

Cultural life within the Indian community is actively sustained through organizations such as the Indian Merchants Association (IMA), established in the 1970s. The Association regularly commemorates a wide range of cultural and national observances, including Diwali, Holi, Cheti Chand, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Guru Nanak Jayanti, as well as India’s Independence Day and Republic Day. In addition, the community has consistently observed the International Day of Yoga in Sint Maarten since its inception.  Beyond public celebrations, cultural and value-based education is promoted through classical Indian dance instruction such as Bharatanatyam, along with Gurukul- and Balvihar-style classes for children, supporting the transmission of cultural, heritage, and spiritual traditions across generations.

Contributions to Sint Maarten's Economy

Sint Maarten’s high-income economy (GDP per capita ~US$40,000) is predominantly services-based and relies heavily on tourism, welcoming approximately 2 million visitors annually by air and cruise, alongside trade and logistics activities.
The Indian community plays a central role in the island’s retail and wholesale sectors, particularly in jewelry and clothing, with a strong presence along Front Street and Back Street in Philipsburg. Community-owned enterprises are also active across the food industry, including wholesale food distribution, supermarkets, restaurants, and catering services, contributing to employment generation, supply-chain stability, and economic resilience.  Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, community members and business associations contributed actively to recovery efforts through reinvestment, donations, and continued support for local employment.

Honorary Consul to Sint Maarten: Damodar G. Rawtani

Damodar G. Rawtani, a respected businessman and long-standing community figure—affectionately known within the community as Damuji—serves as Honorary Consul of India to Sint Maarten, St. Eustatius, and Saba. In this role, he facilitates consular assistance, promotes trade and people-to-people linkages, and supports cultural engagement under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of India The Hague

Contact:   Honorary Consulate of India, Sint Maarten, c/o Penny’s Department Store, 48/52 Backstreet, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Phone: +1 721 587 1002, Email: hon.cons.in.sxm@gmail.com

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