About Us India-BES Relations

Following the Constitutional Changes on October 10, 2010 when the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba were given the status of Dutch Public Bodies (Municipalities) within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Queen of the Netherlands is the Head of State and these Public Bodies are headed by a Lieutenant Governor. Political contacts between India and these islands are almost non-existent. The Ambassador of India to Venezuela is concurrently accredited as Consul General of India to these Islands. Mr. Manohar Sawilani, a respected member of Indian community based in Curacao, is India’s Honorary Consul to Bonaire while Mr. Damodar G. Rawtani based in Sint Maarten, is India's Honorary Consul to Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius and Saba.

Bonaire is situated in the Caribbean Sea, off the northern coast of Venezuela. It has an area of 294 square kilometers and a population of 15,800 (2010). Dutch is the official language and Papiamento, English and Spanish are also spoken. Tourism is the mainstay of the economy. About 25 Indian/PIO families live in this island the majority of whom are involved in the retail business.

Sint Eustatius is situated to the east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Apart from Dutch, Creole and English are also spoken. It has an area of 21 square kilometers and a population of 2,886 (2010). As per available information, no Indian/PIO families live on this island. Tourism and Education (Medicine) are the mainstay of the economy.

Saba is also situated to the east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It has an area of just 13 square kilometers and population of 1,737 (2010). As per available information, no Indian/PIO families live on this island. Apart from Dutch, English is also spoken. Ecotourism, Agriculture, and Education (Medicine) are the mainstay of the economy.