Photo: MNJ Networks / Courtesy of Rashied Doekhi
Suriname’s Presidential Advisor Rashied Doekhi — Suriname, the New Financial District for the Caribbean.
Veteran politician says the historic relationship must now advance through institutional cooperation, long-term investment and concrete opportunities benefiting both countries.
By D. P. Mishra
New Delhi: More than two decades after his first visit to India, Suriname’s Presidential Advisor Rashied Doekhi still recalls the aroma of freshly baked naan, the warmth of Indian hospitality and the timeless appeal of Hindi music. His connection with the country is not confined to diplomacy: he has visited India twice and once shared the stage with legendary playback singer Mahendra Kapoor during a concert in Suriname.
Describing India as Suriname’s “elder brother”, the veteran politician believes the next phase of bilateral relations must be defined by deeper economic engagement, sustained investment and stronger institutional cooperation. The two nations, he said, possess a distinctive historical bond that should now be translated into tangible and mutually beneficial development.
In an exclusive interview with MNJ Networks, Doekhi said resource-rich Suriname does not lack potential. Its more urgent requirement, he argued, is the managerial capacity, institutional strength and long-term expertise needed to convert that potential into broad-based national progress.
India–Suriname Relations
Mr. Doekhi is a trusted senior member of Suriname’s National Democratic Party, founded by the late former President Desiré Delano Bouterse. Reflecting on the longstanding friendship between Suriname and India, he recalled:
“My President attended the funeral ceremonies of the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in New Delhi in 1991. Suriname passed through a turbulent period in its development and faced many challenges, but we never forgot our friends in India.”
Mr. Doekhi expressed his sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for the recent official visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to Suriname. The visit, held in May 2026 during the commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations, marked the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Suriname and provided renewed momentum for bilateral cooperation. “We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the attention India continues to give Suriname, and particularly for the important visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. This visit demonstrated India’s genuine commitment to strengthening our cultural, diplomatic and economic relationship.”
A New Government, Recovery and International Support
Mr. Doekhi noted that President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has now completed her first year in office. Since her inauguration on 16 July 2025, the government has been working step by step to restore confidence, strengthen public institutions and place Suriname on a more stable path of national development.
“It has now been one year since my President, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, assumed office. We inherited major challenges, but we are working gradually and responsibly to restore the country. Recovery cannot be achieved overnight, and Suriname can use every form of sincere support from India, from our international partners and from the global Indian diaspora.”
He emphasised that such support should include not only financial resources, but also institutional expertise, knowledge transfer, investment, technology and durable partnerships that can deliver visible benefits to the people of Suriname.
Natural wealth must be matched by strong institutions
“Suriname has abundant natural resources. We do not suffer from scarcity of food or resources. What we need is sound management, strong institutions and expertise to utilize these resources for the benefit of every citizen,” he said.
Doekhi said the administration of President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has placed food security, healthcare, education and infrastructure among its core priorities, while seeking to strengthen Suriname’s standing as a credible destination for international capital and strategic partnerships.
“No country can progress in isolation today. We are reaching out to the world, encouraging investors and strengthening partnerships. President Simons is engaging with financial institutions, banks and business leaders to attract investments that can contribute to Suriname’s development,” he said.
India can be a trusted development partner
For Doekhi, India’s value to Suriname extends well beyond finance. He sees New Delhi as a source of institutional knowledge, technical capability and experience that can support the country’s long-term development ambitions.
“We look towards India not only for investment but also for institutional knowledge and technical expertise. Indian companies are welcome to invest in Suriname and can also use it as a gateway to the wider CARICOM region,” he said.
He said dialogue between the two governments continues at senior levels, including between their finance ministers, reflecting the warmth and resilience of the bilateral relationship. Suriname’s membership of the Caribbean Community also gives the partnership a wider regional dimension.
Diaspora networks can accelerate development
Doekhi also highlighted the strategic potential of the global Indian diaspora, whose capital, professional expertise and international networks could help connect Suriname with investors, institutions and markets across several regions.
“The Indian diaspora, whether in Suriname or elsewhere in the world, can become an important partner in our development. Their experience, investment and knowledge can help accelerate our progress,” he said.
A personal relationship that goes beyond diplomacy
Doekhi said he first travelled to India in 2000 as part of an international delegation. He returned in 2003 to attend the inaugural Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi, an event created to deepen India’s engagement with its worldwide diaspora.
His affection for India also finds expression through its food and music.
“I love Indian food, especially naan and traditional Indian bread. Indian music has always been close to my heart,” he said, recalling that he had shared the stage with legendary playback singer Mahendra Kapoor during musical programmes in Suriname and continues to enjoy singing himself.
Confidence in President Simons and a focus on the future
Speaking about his association with President Simons, Doekhi expressed confidence in her leadership and pointed to the breadth of experience she acquired through several important positions in public life.
“My experience can always be useful whenever needed, but she is an accomplished leader in her own right,” he said.
When asked about former President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and previous political administrations, Doekhi declined to revisit past disputes, saying the national conversation should remain directed towards the future.
“We do not want to dwell on the past. Our objective is to pursue policies that are in the best interests of Suriname and its people,” he said.
From historic goodwill to concrete projects
Doekhi said the India–Suriname relationship has considerable untapped potential. In his view, historical affinity and cultural familiarity must now evolve into deeper economic cooperation, institutional partnerships and sustained people-to-people engagement.
“The friendship already exists. Now it is time to convert that goodwill into concrete projects, investments and opportunities that benefit both countries,” he added.
Suriname as India’s gateway to the Caribbean
Suriname’s geographic position, cultural familiarity with India and membership of CARICOM give the relationship a wider strategic dimension. For Indian companies, institutions and investors, cooperation with Suriname could provide not only access to the Surinamese market, but also a platform for building stronger commercial and institutional links across the Caribbean region.
The challenge, however, will be to move from diplomatic goodwill to structured implementation. Regular business delegations, institutional partnerships, investment platforms and clearly defined national priorities could help ensure that the historic bond between India and Suriname produces visible and lasting results.
“The friendship already exists. Now it is time to convert that goodwill into concrete projects, investments and opportunities that benefit both countries,” he added.
