British Overseas Territory of Anguilla - Bilateral Brief
Introduction
Anguilla is self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom, 91 Sq. kilometers in area and has a population of nearly 15,000. As Anguilla is a dependent territory of the United Kingdom (UK), Anguilla's government is under the authority of the British government at Westminster, London. The Governor is appointed by the Monarchy of the UK, currently King Charles III. The Governor is responsible for external affairs, internal financial affairs, defence, and internal security. Military defence is the responsibility of the UK.
- It is a parliamentary democracy. Politics of Anguilla takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic dependency and of a multi-party system. The territory's constitution is Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982 (amended 1990). Executive power is exercised by the Chief Minister (Premier) and the Executive Council. Legislative power is vested in both the Executive Council and the House of Assembly. The unicameral House of Assembly of Anguilla has 11 members, seven members elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term in single-seat constituencies; two ex-officio members and two nominated members are appointed to serve five-year terms. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. King Charles III is the Head of the State who is represented by the Governor Julia Crouch. Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge is the Head of the Government.
- The country's per capita income is US $ 28,850 (2023) and its economy is driven by sun and sand tourism which contributes almost 60-70% to its GDP. Most of the tourists come from the United States.
Bilateral Relations
- The British overseas territory of Anguilla is accredited to High Commission of India in Georgetown as the seat of the Consular Post to take care of the affairs of Indian citizens and aid and assist them in all their lawful and mercantile concerns. All other subjective matters of bilateral relations are dealt with High Commission of India, London. The current High Commissioner Dr. Amit Telang presented his credentials to the Governor of Anguilla on 23 April 2024. The High Commissioner of India is the only Consul General accredited to Anguilla.
- India and Anguilla enjoy warm and friendly relations with similarity of views on most issues of common concern on enhancing partnerships in education, trade, and commerce, aiming to deepen cooperation between the two nations.
Recent visit of High Commissioner
- High Commissioner Dr. Amit Telang visited Anguilla to host the 10th Anniversary of International Day of Yoga, the event was attended by Governor, Minister of Health & Sports and many yoga enthusiasts. During his visit, High Commissioner paid courtesy call to H.E. Ms Julia Crouch, Governor of Anguilla and H.E. Ms Cora Richardson-Hodge, Premier of Anguilla and expressed gratitude for the assistance and support extended by the Government of Anguilla in coordinating IDY 2025. High Commissioner also met Hon’ble Evan McNeal Rogers, Advisor to Hon’ble Premier of Anguilla and Former Dy. Premier & Health Minister of Anguilla. The discussions focused on cooperation and trainings under the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation initiative for sectors of healthcare, e-Governance, capacity building and solar energy infrastructure.
Trade and Investment
- On the trade front, India’s exports to Anguilla in 2024 was US $0.26 million with major items export being Pharmaceuticals, plastics and articles, chemical products, books, apparel, articles of iron or steel, footwear. On the other hand, India’s imports from Anguilla in 2024 was US $0.30 million with major items of import being Organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances.
(Value in million US$)
| Details |
2021-22
|
2022-23
|
2023-24
|
2024-25
|
|
India’s Exports
|
0.09
|
0.04
|
0.26
|
0.21
|
|
India’s Imports
|
0.03
|
0.03
|
0.30
|
0.13
|
|
Total
|
0.12
|
0.07
|
0.56
|
0.34
|
Anguilla is interested in cooperation in tourism, health, solar energy infrastructure, water management, ICT, capacity building, etc. Indian companies can seize the opportunity by investing in these sectors.
Consular
- PIO/NRIs : There are about 30 Indians who are mostly working in hotel industry, shops and some are professionals working in the various educational institutions.
- Visa : Indian citizens need a visa to enter Anguilla, even for tourism. An e-visa is available for Indian citizens, which can be applied for online.
Technical Cooperation/Capacity Building
- 10. India has extended assistance in training and capacity building through ITEC and 5 slots are allocated to Anguilla.
Culture
- Yoga is quite popular in Anguilla but despite being high end tourist destination, Anguilla does not have any Yoga centre or Indian restaurant. International Day of Yoga events are organised every year.
…
July 2025
