The new Indian Ambassador Chinthapally Rajasekhar hosted a business and press get together at Nipau Restaurant in the afternoon of Monday 25 March after presenting his credentials to express satisfaction at the steady growth of relations between India and the Dominican Republic especially in recent years. In the “tradition of friendship and cordiality” he congratulated the Dominican Republic for winning the World Baseball Classic. Inocencio Garcia Javier, deputy minister for international cooperation at the Ministry of Economy, Enrique Ramirez of the National Energy Commission, Luis Omar Fernandez, the executive secretary of the National Commission of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Foreign Relations, and Jean Louis Rodriguez of CEI-RD also attended the event.
Speaking at the meeting, Rajasekhar pointed out the great synergy to work and fulfill the potential of Indian-Dominican relations through the India Chamber of Commerce, now under Jabar Singh, president of the Chamber. “The India Chamber is the focal point since our embassy is based in Havana.” He announced that an officer would be present the second Thursday and Friday of every month to assist in issuing visas for travel to India.
During the event, Enrique Ramirez of the National Commission of Energy spoke of the projects on the drawing board.
An Italian resident of the DR, Mara Sandri was honored for her work supporting children in India. Mara Sandri is the general manager of the Fior di Loto hotel and cultural center (there are afternoon yoga classes) in Juan Dolio.
In a press release, Ambassador Rajasekhar states:
“India is desirous of expanding her engagement with the Dominican Republic in particular and with the Latin America and the Caribbean region in general. Ways and means of promoting exchanges between the two nations were discussed. For instance, India offers fully sponsored scholarships and also credit line of over US$10 million for projects of interest to DR.”
Ambassador Rajasekhar highlights that India has acknowledged strength in information, communication technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and projects.
This was Rajasekhar’s third visit to the country.