Embassy of India
Santo Domingo
India-Dominican Republic Bilateral Brief
Bilateral relations between India and the Dominican Republic (DR) have been friendly and continue to deepen in all spheres.
Political Relations and Institutional Framework
2. Diplomatic relations between India and Dominican Republic were established on 4 May, 1999 with signing of a MoU. Dominican Republic opened its Embassy in New Delhi on 1st May 2006. India opened its resident Embassy in Santo Domingo on 1st January 2022.
Bilateral Visits from India
3. A delegation from Election Commission of India led by Mr. L. Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer, Andaman & Nicobar Islands; and Mr. Sushant Padha, District Election Officer, North & Middle Andaman District, Andaman & Nicobar Islands undertook a Study Visit to the Central Electoral Board (JCE) of the Dominican Republic (DR) from 22-24 June 2026.
4. MOS (PM) Shri Pabitra Margherita paid official visit to DR from 15 to 17 August 2024 to participate in the swearing in ceremony of President Abinader on his re-election as President.
5. EAM Dr. S Jaishankar paid an official visit to Dominican Republic from 27-29 April 2023. He called on President Luis Abinader, held bilateral meeting with FM Roberto Álvarez, addressed a business event, delivered a talk on India’s Foreign Policy and jointly inaugurated the Embassy with FM Álvarez in presence of Vice President Raquel Peña, President of Senate, Minister of Defence and Minister of Higher Education. EAM also unveiled a Mahatma Gandhi statue at a square in Gazcue which was renamed as Mahatma Gandhi Plaza and inaugurated India Pavilion at Faro a Colón museum. This, until date, is the highest level of visit from India to DR.
6. The second round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Dominican Republic were held in Santo Domingo on 01 July 2022 led by Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) from the Indian side and Amb José Julio Gómez, Vice Minister – Bilateral Relations of Foreign Affairs from the DR side.
7. MOS (MEA) Shri V. Muraleedharan visited Santo Domingo from 25-27 August 2019.
8. MOS (MEA) General (Rtd.) Shri V.K. Singh visited DR in February, 2015.
9. Secretary (West) M. Ganapati along with Joint Secretary (LAC) visited DR on 22-23 August, 2012 for the first Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries.
10. MOS (MEA), Dr. Shashi Tharoor visited DR from 23-25 January, 2010.
11. MOS (MEA) Shri Anand Sharma visited DR in February 2007.
12. MOS (MEA) Shri Rao Inderjit Singh visited DR in September 2004. During the visit, the DR government announced its intention to upgrade diplomatic relations and open an Embassy in New Delhi.
Bilateral Visits from Dominican Republic
13. Dr. Jorge Morales Paulino, Vice Minister for promotion of MSMEs in DR attended the 10th CII India-LAC Conclave from 19-20 March, 2025.
14. In a first visit from the DR Defence Ministry, Vice Minister of Military Affairs, Major General Miguel Ángel Rubio Báez visited India from 9 to 13 February 2025 to participate in Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. He held bilateral meeting with Hon’ble RRM.
15. Mr. José Ramón Holguín Brito, Vice Minister at Presidency of DR visited India in April 2024. He met with MOS (ML) and Secreatary (East) Jaydeep Mazumdar.
16. The Vice President of DR, Raquel Peña paid an official visit to India from 3-5 October 2023. VP Peña called on the Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji and held meetings with Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha and EAM. She had wide-ranging discussions with Hon’ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankar. Vice President Peña delivered the 45th Sapru House Lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and also visited IIT Delhi.
17. The then President of the DR Dr. Leonel Fernandez Reyna visited India and attended the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit held from 3-5 February, 2011.
18. In June 2008, DR Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Clara Quinones de Longo attended the 2nd India-SICA Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi.
19. DR Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso visited India in February 2006 heading a high level delegation which included Ministers of IT and Investment, Higher Education and Science and Technology, Deputy Tourism Minister and a 12-member business delegation.
Others / Virtual
20. On 13 Jan 2023, FM Roberto Álvarez participated in the Foreign Ministers’ session of the virtual ‘Voice of Global South Summit’ organized by the GoI as part of various events organized under India’s G20 presidency. Minister of Energy & Mines Antonio Reynoso participated in the Energy Ministers’ session of the virtual ´Voice of Global South Summit 2.0’ on 17 Nov 2023.
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
21. DR is a member of International Solar Alliance (ISA). DR ratified the Agreement in August 2025 becoming a full fledged member.
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
22. DR is a member of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
23. Mr. Amit Prothi, Director General of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) led a delegation to participate in the Latin America & Caribbean Climate Week of the UN Climate held in Santo Domingo from 18 to 22 July 2022.
24. Three officials from National Geological Service of DR were awarded CDRI Fellowship for the year 2023-24 (US$ 15000 – 12 months) for study on Seismic Hazard, Floods and Physical Vulnerability of Buildings in the coastal area/south municipality of Barahona.
25. CDRI, on 31 October 2023, awarded two projects to DR under the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) First Call for Proposals for Small Island Developing States (SIDS): (i) Strengthening Capacities, Security and Resilience of Critical Infrastructure in DR, Cuba and Haiti, (ii) Improvement in DR National Multi-Threat Early Warning System. The projects are under implementation.
26. INTEC University of Santo Domingo was awarded a research project by CDRI in May 2024 to develop an AI-based simulator for risk management and climate emergencies. The research will be developed together with the National Emergency Commission and the National Council for Climate Change and Clean Development Mechanism (CNCCMDL).
27. A 3-member CDRI delegation visited DR from 10 to 14 March 2025 for a rapid assessment of the country’s bridges and flyovers. In April 2025, CDRI, in partnership with UNDP, held a regional workshop in Santo Domingo on “Resilient Recovery & Build Back Better” under the IRIS initiative, with 40 participants from 15 Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
28. Bilateral trade between India and the DR has increased significantly in last few years, with balance of trade in favor of DR. Two way trade was US$ 2055.54 million in the financial year 2025-26. Main items of India’s exports are Pharmaceuticals, Automobiles, Marine products, Cotton Yarn & fabrics, Plastic & Linoleum, Iron & Steel, Tobacco, Dying extracts and Boilers. Important items of DR exports to India include Gold, Iron & Steel, Pulp of Wood, Aluminium and Cocoa. Following is the evolution of bilateral trade in the last eight years. DR exports fluctuated due to over reliance on gold as major item of export.
(all figures in US $ million)
|
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
2021-22 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
2024-25 |
2025-26 |
India’s Export |
215.81 |
213.32 |
209.06 |
310.08 |
329.63 |
347 |
381.67 |
411.12 |
% Growth |
9.6 |
-1.15 |
-2.0 |
48.32 |
6.3 |
5.27 |
9.99 |
7.71 |
India’s Import |
566.57 |
361.11 |
256.94 |
648.77 |
360.31 |
570.47 |
730.02 |
1644.42 |
% Growth |
-12.27 |
-36.26 |
-28.85 |
152.5 |
-44 |
58.33 |
27.97 |
125.26 |
Total Trade |
782.38 |
574.43 |
466.00 |
958.85 |
689.94 |
917.47 |
1111.69 |
2055.54 |
% Growth |
-7.16 |
-26.58 |
-18.88 |
105.76 |
-28 |
32.98 |
21.17 |
84.90 |
Source : DoC, GoI
29. MoU on Joint Economic and Trade Cooperation (JETCO) between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of DR and Ministry of Commerce, GoI to enhance trade, economic and commercial relation between two countries was signed on 12 March 2024. The first meeting of JETCO is expected in New Delhi.
30. Joint Action Plan (JAP) between Director General of Customs, DR and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) India was signed on 04 August 2025 laying a roadmap for signing of Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) enabling Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) from both countries to access similar customs benefits and advantages in all ports and airports.
31. TATA Motors officially launched its operations in Dominican Republic on 12 August 2025 in the commercial vehicles sector marking a significant milestone in the trade and investment relations between the two countries. They have partnered with EQUIMAX, who deals exclusively with heavy vehicles. Likewise, on 06 November 2025, Ashok Leyland in partnership with United Motors Grupo Haina SRL, officially launched its commercial vehicle range in the Dominican Republic.
32. The Indian Chamber of Commerce exists since long but was not functional. Embassy made efforts to revive the Chamber. In August 2024, the Chamber held its Ordinary General Assembly and elected new board members.
33. Ms. Biviana Riveiro, Executive Director of ProDominicana (Export and Investment promotion agency of DR) and Mr. Marcial Smester, Director of Investment participated in the 9th CII Conclave held in New Delhi from 3-4 August 2023 during which a MoU was signed for collaboration between ProDominicana and Invest India.
34. Indian pharmaceuticals majors such as Glenmark, Hetero, Caplin Point, MSN Labs, Reliance Life Sciences, Emcure and Bharat Serums & Vaccines have their representatives in DR. Many other pharmaceutical companies present in the region are doing good business in DR.
35. Indian auto majors such as Bajaj, Hero, TVS, Eicher Motors, TATA Motors (Commercial vehicle) and Ashok Leyland sell their products through local partners. Other four-wheeler brands like Hyundai, Suzuki and Kia source their small cars from India.
Cooperation in Science & Technology
36. Two Dominican professionals from INTEC University attended the UNIspace Nano Satellite Assembly & Training (UNNATI) organized by ISRO in Oct-Dec 2022.
37. An IT Centre for Excellence in Santiago, DR was established with the assistance of GOI inaugurated by the President Dr. Leonel Fernandez in August 2011. CDAC India ran the Centre with three Indian faculty members for two years. The centre is functioning and is part of free zone owned and managed by private sector.
ITEC and Bilateral Assistance
38. Under the ITEC programme, the GoI has been offering annual slots to the DR since 1999. Currently 25 annual slots are being offered. In addition, customized area specific courses under ITEC are being offered.
39. 18 DR professionals were trained at a customized course on Cyber Security and Malware Analytics under ITEC in Nov-Dec 2022 at C-DAC, Mohali. In another special course on Remote Sensing, 14 Dominican professionals were trained at IIRS, Dehradun in Jan-Mar 2023. A Special Course on Responsible Artificial Intelligence was held at CDAC Delhi from 1-12 July 2024 with participation of 12 Dominican professionals. 10 police officers attended a specialized course on AI at C-DAC, Mohali for 18 February – 03 March 2026.
40. DR is also being offered slots under PCFD programme run by the SSIFS. Till 2020, 13 DR diplomats had undergone training programmes at SSIFS including a special course for 8 diplomats in 2018. In June 2021, a special virtual session on ‘Reformed Multilateralism’ was organized by SSIFS with the participation of 72 diplomats/students from INESDYC (DR Diplomatic Institute) and diplomats from DR Missions in Geneva and New York. The 2nd special course for 21 DR diplomats was organized by SSIFS from 20-29 September 2023. One DR diplomat each participated in the 72nd PCFD from 19 to 30 May 2025 and the 3rd Global South Young Diplomats Forum programme from 08-19 September 2025. Two diplomats participated in the 1st Special Course for Diplomats from Central & South America and Caribbean Islands (CSACI) at SSIFS organised from 29 Oct to 7 Nov 2025.
41. Life saving drugs worth USD 50,000 was donated to the DR Foreign Minister in March 2006. Humanitarian assistance of USD 50000 worth medicines were donated following the Tropical Storm Noel in Oct-Nov 2007 consequent upon the official request of the Government of DR
42. In April 2020, India donated 200,000 tablets of Hydroxychloroquine and other medicines to DR. India again donated second tranche of 536 boxes of medicines weighing 7170 kgs and Protective gears to DR. The donation included antibiotics, analgesics, antiviral, vitamins, diuretics, surgical gowns and gloves, as well as sampling tubes, swabs and thermometers, among other supplies.
43. In February 2021, India donated 30,000 doses of Covishield vaccines to DR. India was the first responder and this fact is very much appreciated by the leadership of DR.
44. Under the Vaccine Maitri Initiative, SII (Serum Institute of India) supplied 20,000 doses of Covishield vaccines to DR in February 2021 as part of a commercial deal. Second and final tranche of 90,000 doses of vaccines reached DR in January 2022.
Cultural relations
45. A MoU on Cooperation in the field of Higher Education between Universidad APEC and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) was signed on 6 July 2026 in Santo Domingo. This is the first direct MoU between the Universities of India and DR that allows academic collaboration, student exchange and experience sharing between the educational institutions of two countries.
46. An ‘India Corner’ has been setup at the library of Universidad APEC. This was inaugurated by Ambassador Mr. KD Dewal and Rector of UNAPEC University, Mr Eric Prez Vega on 6 July 2026. This is the first India Corner set up by the Embassy in an educational institution in Dominican Republic.
47. India was the Country of Honour at the 17th edition of the Festival de Cine Global Santo Domingo organized from 31 Jan to 06 Feb 2025 by Funglode, a think tank led by former President Leonel Fernandez. Four Indian films were screened during the festival. The Embassy organized a four-day Indian film festival, from 19 to 22 February at Carribbean Cinemas in Santo Domingo.
46. A logo contest contest was rolled out in both the countries to mark the celebration of 25 years of establishment of diplomatic relations jointly by the Embassy and the Dominican Embassy in New Delhi. Syed Momin Iqbal from India was declared winner on 26 March 2024 winning a prize money of USD 1000.
48. The first ever National Day Reception in Santo Domingo was hosted on 26 January 2023 which received very good response. Vice Minister of Bilateral Foreign Policy Jose Julio Gómez was the chief guest. First Lady Raquel Arbaje was the chief guest for the second National Day Reception hosted on 26 January 2024. Vice President Raquel Peña was the chief guest for third National Day Reception, which was also attended by the President of the Senate and by Minister of Higher Education. Vice Minister of Bilateral Foreign Policy Francisco Caraballo was the chief guest in the fourth National Day Reception which was also attended by the President of the Senate.
49. ICCR sponsored Odissi dance troupe led by Ms. Ranjana Gauhar visited Dominican Republic from 24-31 January 2023. The group performed at Centro Leon in Santiago, City Hall in Salcedo and Ágora Mall and Teatro Nacional in Santo Domingo. Local hospitality was extended and venues arranged by Mirex.
50. Embassy organized ‘Namaste India Week’ from 23 to 29 January 2023 in Agora Mall offering chanting of Vedic Mantras, Yoga demonstration, fashion show with Indian traditional clothes of different states of India, Indian food stall, Ayurveda products stall, Indian tourism package stall, Indian garment and accessories stall, photo booth with Taj Mahal backdrop, henna stall and stall for saree draping and wearing of Indian traditional clothes and Indian classical dance presentation by ICCR sponsored Odissi dance troupe. The 2nd edition of the ‘Namaste India Week’ was held at Agora Mall from 8-12 April 2024 and the 3rd at the same venue from 20 to 26 January 2025.
51. ICCR sponsored Bhangra dance troupe led by Ms. Preeti visited Dominican Republic from 24-31 January 2025. The group performed at various venues.
52. The Mission organized Hola Bollywood Film Festival 2026 from 20-22 February 2026 at Caribbean Cinema Multiplex in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
53. Mission organized Film Festival CinemaScope India 2024 in collaboration with INTEC University. Four spanish dubbed Indian films were shown at the auditorium of the university from April to July 2024. 2nd edition of CinemaScope India at the Dominican Culture and Convention Centre UTESA (CCDUTESA) in collaboration with the University of Technology of Santiago (UTESA) from 12-13 September 2025.
54. The Embassy collaborated with INFOTEP (National Skill Development Agency) to train 24 yoga teachers for 30 weeks which culminated in February 2023. This initiative received very good appreciation from DR. The second course with 18 participants culminated in November 2023. Third course with 21 participants concluded in March 2024. The fourth and the last course concluded in March 2025 with 32 participants.
55. On request of Embassy, Foreign Office lit its premises in Indian tricolor on 15 August 2022, on 26 January 2023, on 15 August 2023, 26 January 2024 and on 15 August 2024. The premises was also lighted with Indian tricolor on 04 May 2024 to mark the completion of 25 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
56. Two journalists from DR Mr. Luís González and Mr. Tavarez Suarez visited India for ‘familiarization visit’ organized by the Ministry for LAC countries from 22-29 March, 2023.
57. A group of Dominican youth leaders comprising of Luis Báez, Deputy Representative of the Province of Peravia; Natalia Mármol, Civil Rights Activist; and Roselvis Vargas, Strategic Communication Advisor of the Social Policy Cabinet of the Presidency participated in ICCR’s 6th GenNext Program from 10-19 October 2022.
Indian Community
58. At present, there are about 100 Indian nationals and people of Indian origin living in the country. Some of them are working as engineers, software experts or representing Indian companies. Several businesspersons also form part of the community. Indians are scattered across DR and live in Santo Domingo, Puntacana, Puerto Plata, Santiago cities. With Embassy’s efforts, an Indian Association has recently been formed in June 2025. It is awaiting government registration. Indian spiritual organisations such the Art of Living, Swaminarayan Gurukul temple, Paramahansana Yogananda meditation centres, ISKCON temple and Satya Sai Baba of Puttaparthy have presence in DR and there are many followers across the country.
59. Indian Cuisine is quite sought after but presently there are five Indian restaurants in DR - three in Santo Domingo and two in Punta Cana.
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July 2026
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