Embassy of India

The Hague

India and Sint Maarten, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Leeward Islands, enjoy friendly bilateral relations shaped by the Indian diaspora's influence, trade, and regional ties through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), where Sint Maarten holds associate membership. These connections align with India's expanded engagement via the 2019 and 2024 India-CARICOM Summits, focusing on renewable energy, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and climate resilience for small island states. India extended a US$150 million Line of Credit for solar projects and US$14 million in grants for capacity-building, indirectly benefiting Sint Maarten's tourism-dependent economy amid post-Hurricane Irma recovery. Consular oversight transitioned in June 2022 from the Embassy of India in Caracas to the Embassy in Panama, enhancing services for the community.

Bilateral trade is modest, under US$5 million annually, centered on Indian exports of textiles, spices, and pharmaceuticals re-exported via Sint Maarten's Free Trade Zone—a hub for Latin American and Caribbean markets. Opportunities lie in IT, tourism promotion (e.g., Bollywood tie-ups), and offshore finance, supported by India's  "Open Arms" policy. Cultural exchanges thrive through Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) troupes, with the last in 2009 drawing large crowds. 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 tech transfers. Challenges include visa delays and hurricane vulnerabilities, but shared Global South priorities on sustainable development foster growth, as seen in joint UN advocacy.

The Indian Community in Sint Maarten: Profile and Heritage

Sint Maarten's Indian diaspora numbers about 3,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), forming a dynamic minority in a multi-ethnic society of over 130 nationalities. Primarily Sindhi merchants who migrated 30-40 years ago, they became vibrant entrepreneurs. Profiles feature family-run businesses, with many holding Dutch passports and fluent in English, Dutch, Papiamento, and Hindi/Sindhi. Younger members include professionals in hospitality and finance, attracted by low taxes and stability. Culturally, they preserve heritage via the Indian Merchants Association (IMA, est. 1970s), celebrating Diwali, Holi, and Cheti Chand through events  blending Indian traditions with Caribbean vibrancy at temples and festivals.

Contributions to Sint Maarten's Economy

Sint Maarten's high-income economy (GDP per capita ~US$25,000, 80% services-based) relies on tourism (1.5 million visitors yearly) and trade, with the Indian community central to retail and commerce. Dominating Philipsburg's Front Street, they operate duty-free chains selling jewelry, electronics, and apparel—importing Indian goods for tourists and re-export, injecting forex and employing locals. The IMA fosters business networks, supporting post-2017 Irma rebuilding through donations and investments in hospitality. Their role in the Free Trade Zone enhances logistics, while remittances and cultural tourism boost diversity. Community leaders contribute to welfare via Red Cross and foundations, aiding economic resilience and social cohesion in a post-hurricane landscape.

Honorary Consul: Damodar Rawtani

Damodar G. Rawtani, a prominent Sindhi businessman and community pillar, serves as Honorary Consul of India in Sint Maarten, promoting trade, consular aid, and cultural links under the Embassy of India, the Hague. Contact: Honorary Consulate of India, c/o Rawtani Enterprises/Penny's Palapa, Front Street 43, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten; Tel: +1-721-542-2800; Email: info@pennyspalapa.com .