New Delhi, Feb 4 (IANS) India and the Dominican Republic have so much in common that ties have to be strengthened and deepened, President Leonel Fernandez said here Friday.

"The Dominican Republic looks forward to strengthening and deepening relations with India, with which we have too much in common, from the struggle for independence, including the fight for pride and dignity," Fernandez said at the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA) here.

"We respect Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru not only for what they have done for India but also for their contribution to the world," he added.

Fernandez said the Dominican Republic, with free-trade agreement (FTA) with the US, was an attractive platform for Indian businesses to target the American markets.

"The FTA is highly beneficial. It allows duty free access to the US markets," he said.

"There is great potential for tourism between the two countries," he said, noting that the Dominican Republic was the largest tourist destination in the Caribbean.

The president also called for a permanent linkage between thinkers and intellectuals of both countries.

Fernandez also initiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and the Jindal School of International Affairs at the O.P. Jindal Global University in Haryana where 15 international students will pursue higher studies in diplomacy from August 2011.

The MoU seeks to promote greater educational ties between India and South America.

"We have many creative and innovative solutions being provided for development issues by countries like Brazil in India. I think that needs to be better understood," he added.