Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on becoming the first Caribbean nation to adopt India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. This move signifies a deepening of ties between the two countries, particularly in the digital domain. The announcement was made during Modi's official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999.
UPI, India's flagship digital payment platform, has revolutionized digital transactions in the country. Modi highlighted UPI's success, noting that India accounts for nearly 50% of the world's real-time digital transactions. He humorously remarked that with UPI, sending money would be as easy as sending a "Good Morning" text message and even faster than the bowling of the West Indies.
During the visit, Modi and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation in the digital domain. They agreed to explore further collaboration in the implementation of India Stack solutions, including DigiLocker, e-Sign, and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Trinidad and Tobago has also requested support from India in the digitization and upgrading of their system for state land registration.
In addition to UPI adoption, India is extending support to Trinidad and Tobago in various other sectors. Modi announced a gift of 2,000 laptops to support Trinidad and Tobago's educational program and encouraged students to explore higher education opportunities in India through various scholarship programs. Furthermore, India is donating $1 million worth of agro-machinery and sharing expertise in natural farming techniques.
The two countries also signed several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, development cooperation, academia, cultural exchange, diplomatic training, and sports. In healthcare, Modi commended the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for recognizing the Indian Pharmacopoeia, which will ensure closer collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector and improve access to affordable, quality generic medicines from India. India will also organize a prosthetic limb fitment camp for 800 individuals in Trinidad and Tobago in the coming months.
Persad-Bissessar acknowledged India's quick response in providing COVID-19 vaccines and medical equipment to Trinidad and Tobago. She also appreciated India's support under the US$ 1 million 'HALT (High and Low Technology) in the COVID-19 project', which included the supply of mobile healthcare robots, telemedicine kits, and hand hygiene stations.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of digital governance and public service delivery as enablers of inclusive development, innovation, and national competitiveness. Trinidad and Tobago's adoption of UPI and collaboration on India Stack tools like Aadhaar and DigiLocker demonstrate their commitment to modernizing public services. Modi lauded Persad-Bissessar's vision of digitizing education.
The collaboration extends beyond the digital sphere, with Trinidad and Tobago joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuel Alliance, reflecting a shared commitment to climate action, resilience building, and sustainable development.
This strengthened partnership between India and Trinidad and Tobago signifies a shared vision for technological advancement, economic development, and cooperation on global issues.
