(THE GIST OF PIB) Central American Integration System

(SEPTEMBER-2025)

Recently, the External Affairs Minister highlighted India's deepening engagement with the countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA) during the India-SICA Foreign Minister's Meeting.

It is the institutional framework of Regional Integration in Central America.
Background: It was established in 1991, by the signing of the Protocol to the Charter of the Organization of Central American States (ODECA) or Tegucigalpa Protocol, which amended the Charter of ODECA, signed in Panama on December 12, 1962, and formally came into operation in
Member countries: It was created by Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Subsequently, Belize and Dominican Republic joined as full members.
The SICA initiative was widely supported by the United Nations General Assembly.
Governance of Central American Integration System
The Presidency of SICA rotates every six months.
Secretariat: It is located in the Republic of El Salvador.
Objectives of Central American Integration System
The fundamental objective of SICA is to realize regional Peace, Liberty, Democracy and Development, based firmly on the respect and promotion of human rights.
It also focuses on integration of the region, formation of a Free Trade Area and later a Customs Union, integration of infrastructure, common position on regional and global issues and common passport and visa policy.