The Government of India remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of its citizens residing overseas. In a recent development, an Indian national evacuated from Haiti, expressed his appreciation of the Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for efforts in facilitating a safe return to India.
As part of the ongoing Operation Indravati, 12 Indian nationals were successfully evacuated last month from Haiti, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged the support extended by the Dominican Republic.
At present, approximately 30 Indians are located in Haiti. Over the past decade, the Indian government has developed a comprehensive system to address such situations by involving the Ministry of Defence and Indian security forces in providing immediate assistance to Indian citizens abroad.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted that in the event of unrest and looting in economically disadvantaged Caribbean nations, an emergency helpline number and control room has been established to guarantee the seamless execution of Operation Indravati.
Modi ki Guarantee continues to deliver. #OperationIndravati ongoing in Haiti.
Hear what Firoz Valakettil from Kerala has to say. pic.twitter.com/cQwiNVa3Z7
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) April 4, 2024
Haiti In Crises
The Caribbean nation has recently plunged into a state of emergency, as declared by Finance Minister Patrick Boisvert, who is serving as the acting prime minister in the absence of Ariel Henry.
This emergency comes in the wake of armed groups attacking the country’s largest prison in Port-au-Prince. Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier has claimed credit for the prison break, which resulted in the killing and injuring of police personnel and prison staff, as well as escape of 3,500 inmates.
The ultimate goal of the prison break appears to be the overthrow of the Haitian government and its current Prime Minister, Ariel Henry.
Approximately 80% of Haiti’s capital is currently under the control of armed groups. The current crisis can be traced back to 2021 when the then Prime Minister Jovenel Moïse, who was leading the country by decree without a democratic mandate, faced an escalating economic and political crisis.
This ultimately led to his assassination. Government corruption has been identified as the root cause of Haiti’s long-standing instability, contributing to the nation’s ongoing struggle with violent political unrest, which has persisted for over two decades.
Following Moïse’s assassination, Ariel Henry was sworn in as prime minister with the backing of the international community. However, his authority has yet to be fully established, as Haitians continue to grapple with skyrocketing prices and deteriorating infrastructure.
Who Is Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier?
Source: Twitter
Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, the leader of the ‘G9’ gang alliance and a former police officer, was seen alongside gang members following a press conference in Delmas 6, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on 5 March, 2024.
An estimated 200 gangs are believed to be operating in Haiti, with 23 main ones active in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. In recent years, these gangs have expanded their control over the capital, controlling around 60% to approximately 80% of the city, according to UN officials.
The escalating gang violence in Haiti has resulted in the deaths of over 1500 people, and 160,000 people have been displaced, as stated by Marta Hurtado, a UN spokesperson.
Although, In Haiti, the Indian community is relatively small, comprising a diverse group of individuals. Most of them are professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and technicians, as well as missionaries. Some engage in private businesses, including the scrap metal trade.
India- Haiti relations
The relationship between India and Haiti has been marked by friendly diplomatic ties since September 1996. Although interactions between these nations have been limited, their relationship has evolved.
In January 2024, an Ambassador from India visited Haiti to present the Letter of Credence to H.E. Mr Jean Victor Généus, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cults of the Republic of Haiti, and meet with H.E. Dr Ariel Henry, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Haiti. These meetings aimed to strengthen diplomatic relations and discuss potential areas of cooperation between the two nations.
Although trade between India and Haiti may be modest, it holds significant potential for growth, particularly in the sectors of generic drugs and pharmaceuticals. Indian exports to Haiti primarily consist of pharmaceutical goods, textiles, plastic and linoleum products, engineering goods, and chemicals. Political instability and local insurgency in Haiti have negatively impacted exports.
To support Haiti’s development and foster stronger economic ties, India has granted duty-free access to Haitian products. This move not only benefits Haiti but also opens up opportunities for India to expand its presence in the Haitian market.
Team Bharatshakti
