In an interaction with Diplomatist Magazine, H.E. Mr. Arunkoemar Hardien, Ambassador of Suriname to India, shed light on the vibrant and evolving relationship between Suriname and India. As Suriname gears up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence in 2025, Ambassador Hardien reflected on the deep-rooted ties that have connected the two nations for over a century.
A Rich History
Suriname, a nation with a unique cultural blend, was once a Dutch colony on the northern coast of South America, dating back to 1667. The country was granted full independence in 1975 from the Netherlands. However, the bond between India and Suriname began much earlier. “India and Suriname share a 151-year history of close relations,” Ambassador Hardien remarked. “The first group of Indians arrived in Suriname in 1873 as indentured labourers from the Indian subcontinent, specifically from regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.”
These early settlers brought with them their rich traditions, languages, and cultural practices, which have been meticulously preserved over the generations. The Indian community in Suriname has managed to integrate into the local culture while maintaining its distinct heritage. He also highlighted that “the Ramlila tradition in Suriname, believed to be the same one that Indian indentured servants brought with them, continues to thrive today.”
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
The Indian diaspora in Suriname has not only preserved its cultural heritage but also enriched the multicultural fabric of the nation. “The Indian community has preserved and passed down their traditions, language, cuisine, and folklore, while also integrating into the local culture,” said the Ambassador. He added, “We also follow the Hindi calendar in our country, which is a signal to the strong cultural influence of India in Suriname.”
Ambassador Hardien also took the opportunity to congratulate Ambassador Subhash P. Gupta on presenting his credentials to H.E. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname. He expressed his optimism for the continued strengthening of ties between India and Suriname under the leadership of Ambassador Gupta.
Economic Potential and Bilateral Cooperation
One of the key areas where Suriname sees immense potential for cooperation with India is in the oil and gas sector. Suriname is rich in natural resources, and its oil and gas reserves are particularly promising. “We have immense oil and gas potential in Suriname, and we are keen to explore avenues of collaboration with India in this sector,” Ambassador Hardien emphasised. He mentioned that Suriname is soon expecting a delegation to visit India, further strengthening the diplomatic and economic connections between the two nations.
Raising Awareness About Suriname
As Suriname approaches its golden jubilee of independence, next year, Ambassador Hardien is committed to raising awareness about his country in India. He shared some exciting plans that are underway to showcase Suriname’s rich cultural heritage, economic potential, and the strong bonds of friendship that exist between the two nations. “I intend to bring a lot of awareness about Suriname to Indians,” he stated, underscoring his dedication to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Suriname among the Indian populace.
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