On July 4, 2025, India and Trinidad & Tobago solidified their relationship by signing six agreements in Port of Spain. These agreements aim to enhance collaboration in various sectors, including infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, culture, and sports. This event occurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad & Tobago since 1999.
The agreements are intended to generate employment opportunities, improve services, and foster stronger connections between the people of both nations. During the visit, PM Modi announced that individuals of Indian origin in Trinidad & Tobago can apply for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards, even if they are sixth-generation descendants. This initiative aims to help families maintain ties with their Indian roots.
The six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) encompass cooperation in several key areas: * Pharmaceutical Standards: This will likely involve aligning pharmaceutical standards to ensure quality and accessibility of medicines. * Quick Development Projects: These are projects designed to deliver rapid and visible benefits to local communities. * Cultural Exchange: This promotes understanding and appreciation of each other's cultural heritage through various programs. * Sports Promotion: This encourages collaboration in sports-related activities and initiatives. * Diplomatic Training: This facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise between diplomats from both countries. * Sharing of Official Documents and Research: This enhances transparency and facilitates informed decision-making.
PM Modi met with Trinidad & Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to discuss future collaboration in agriculture, education, digital payments, and healthcare. They also exchanged views on global issues such as climate change, cybersecurity, and disaster response. Both leaders expressed warmth and respect, with PM Bissessar hailing Modi's visit as a "landmark moment" that will revitalize the friendship between the two nations.
During the delegation-level talks, Ms. Bissessar emphasized that Prime Minister Modi's visit would inject new energy into the deep-rooted bilateral ties between Trinidad and Tobago and India. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for Trinidad and Tobago's support and solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack and both leaders reinforced their dedication to combating terrorism in all its forms.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Prime Minister's visit has significantly boosted the special ties between the two countries. Trinidad and Tobago has also reaffirmed its support for India's permanent membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council. Furthermore, India will support Trinidad and Tobago's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027-28 period, and Trinidad and Tobago will support India's candidacy for the 2028-29 period.
India and Trinidad and Tobago established diplomatic relations on August 31, 1962, the same year Trinidad and Tobago gained independence. The two countries share warm and cordial relations based on shared democratic values, pluralism, and strong people-to-people connections.
In addition to the agreements, several announcements were made to strengthen bilateral ties, including the OCI card offer to sixth-generation people of Indian origin. PM Modi and PM Bissessar agreed to collaborate for greater solidarity among Global South countries and to strengthen the India-CARICOM partnership.
