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Context

India and the Central American Integration System (SICA) held a virtual dialogue to strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen engagement across key sectors.

About Central American Integration System (SICA)   

It is the institutional framework for regional cooperation among the countries of Central America, to promote peace, democracy, and development.

It was formally established in December 1991, through the Tegucigalpa Protocol, which updated the charter of the previous Organization of Central American States (ODECA).  

Membership

• Founding Members => Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
• Full Members => Belize and the Dominican Republic joined later, expanding the system's reach.

Secretariat =>The General Secretariat is located in El Salvador. The Presidency of the organization rotates among member states every six months.

Objectives

To achieve regional peace, liberty, democracy, and sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on human rights.

To create an economic union, starting with a Free Trade Area and moving towards a Customs Union.

To integrate regional infrastructure, coordinate common foreign policy positions, and align policies on matters like passports and visas.

India-SICA Dialogue

The virtual meeting was co-chaired by senior officials from India's Ministry of External Affairs and Costa Rica's Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs, given Costa Rica's current role as SICA's Pro-Tempore President.

India's Development Partnership Offer => India reaffirmed its commitment to the region through several key initiatives:

• Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme: Offering technical and economic cooperation through training and capacity-building programs.
• Quick Impact Projects (QIPs): Supporting small-scale, community-focused development projects.
• SME Grants: Providing financial support for Small and Medium Enterprises.

Key Areas of Cooperation => India expressed its willingness to collaborate in sectors where it has achieved success, including:

• Digital Transformation
• Affordable Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
• Disaster Resilience
• Renewable Energy

The SICA member states acknowledged and appreciated India's constant support, especially the aid provided during the COVID-19 pandemic and in response to natural disasters.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in critical areas such as food security, health, agriculture, connectivity, and trade and investment.

Source: 

DD NEWS