PM Modi Mourns Passing of Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep grief over the sudden demise of former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi , describing it as an " irreparable loss " for both Suriname and the global Indian diaspora.

In a post on X , PM Modi said, "Deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of my friend and the former President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi Ji. This is not only an irreparable loss to Suriname but also to the global Indian diaspora."

The Prime Minister recalled his personal interactions with Santokhi, highlighting the late leader’s efforts in strengthening bilateral ties and his fondness for Indian culture . "I fondly recall my many meetings with him. His tireless service for Suriname and his efforts in strengthening India-Suriname relations were clearly reflected in our interactions. He won several hearts when he took oath in Sanskrit," PM Modi added.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to Santokhi’s family and the people of Suriname.

The two leaders had met in November 2024 on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, where they reviewed the progress of the India-Suriname partnership and discussed ways to enhance cooperation across political, economic, and cultural sectors. PM Modi described Santokhi as not only a friend but also a leader committed to diaspora and cultural connections .

Following Santokhi’s tenure, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons was elected in July 2025 as Suriname’s first female president.

India shares close, warm and friendly relations with Suriname, rooted in historical and cultural ties spanning over one and a half centuries. These links date back to 1873, when the first group of Indian indentured labourers arrived in Suriname aboard the Lalla Rookh during the colonial era. Many of these migrants settled permanently, and their descendants today form a significant part of Suriname’s population, preserving strong cultural and people-to-people connections with India. Bilateral mechanisms such as Ministerial-level Joint Commission Meetings and the Joint Working Group on Agriculture continue to support cooperation, while India has extended Lines of Credit (LOCs) and Grants-in-Aid to further strengthen development partnerships.

Trade between India and Suriname remains modest, with total bilateral trade estimated at around USD 40–50 million annually in recent years. India’s exports, valued at roughly USD 30–35 million, include boilers, machinery, iron and steel, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, textiles, vehicles, coffee, tea, spices, rubber, paper, tobacco, furniture, carpets and footwear. Imports from Suriname, estimated at about USD 10–15 million, comprise wood, aluminium, textiles, herbal products, garments, spices and electrical machinery.