New Delhi - In an important stride towards reinforcing flood resilience, India has pledged a financial infusion of USD 246,852.71 to a crucial project in Suriname. This endeavor centers on amplifying early warning capabilities for Suriname's communities, notably in response to the government's plea for heightened safeguards against flooding stemming from intense rainfall.

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations unveiled this effort, disclosing that it comes directly in response to Suriname's call for assistance in shoring up defenses against flooding risks.

Project Details
At the heart of this undertaking lies the procurement and installation of an Automatic Weather Station and Automatic Water Level Stations. These new additions are poised to enhance the prowess of the National HydroMet Network, consequently augmenting the monitoring of rainfall patterns and flood situations. This dynamic will substantially fortify the foundation of an efficient early warning system. Moreover, a state-of-the-art ArcGIS cloud-based geospatial platform is set to emerge, offering an analytical framework to assess areas predisposed to flooding vulnerabilities.

Sustained Indian Support for Suriname
India's support for Suriname is multifaceted, exemplified by its willingness to accommodate debt restructuring. In January 2023, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi embarked on a weeklong visit to India, marked by his role as a Special Guest of Honour at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention. During this visit, President Santokhi celebrated India's concurrence with Suriname's plea for debt restructuring. This transformative move signifies that funds previously blocked, including those earmarked for technical assistance and credit lines, are now available for utilization.

President Santokhi additionally conveyed his alignment with India's push for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform and supported India's aspiration for permanent UNSC membership.

Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India's Permanent Representative, affirmed India's unwavering commitment to Suriname's development through a range of community initiatives, concessional credit extensions, and timely humanitarian assistance. The envisaged climate warning system under this project is expected to yield life-saving outcomes, empower businesses to adapt, and safeguard valuable assets.