India and Trinidad and Tobago have signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to bolster cooperation in key areas including infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, culture, and diplomatic training.
The agreements were finalised following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Friday.
PM Modi arrived in Port of Spain on Thursday, marking the second leg of his five-nation tour. His visit is significant as it is the first bilateral trip by an Indian prime minister to the Caribbean island nation since 1999.
During the delegation-level discussions, the two leaders also explored potential collaboration in sectors such as defence, agriculture, healthcare, digital transformation, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), capacity building, and fostering people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Trinidad and Tobago for its solidarity in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirmed India’s joint commitment with the Caribbean nation to combat terrorism in all its forms.
He also held a separate meeting with President Christine Carla Kangaloo, during which he congratulated her on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and acknowledged her distinguished public service.
Taking to social media, Modi shared his sentiments: “Thank you Trinidad & Tobago. The moments here will never be forgotten. We've added new momentum to India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship.”
The six MoUs signed during the visit cover cooperation in the fields of pharmacopoeia, quick-impact development projects, cultural and sports exchanges, and diplomatic training.
Further strengthening bilateral ties, India announced the extension of the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card facility to sixth-generation Indian-origin individuals in Trinidad and Tobago.
Modi and Bissessar also agreed to enhance collaboration within the India-CARICOM framework and promote greater solidarity among Global South countries. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a 15-member regional body aimed at fostering economic integration and cooperation.
The leaders discussed a range of regional and global challenges, including climate change, disaster management, and cybersecurity. Both sides underscored the importance of increased cooperation to address these pressing issues.
Earlier on Friday, PM Modi addressed the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting the historic and cultural connections between the two nations. He noted the shared enthusiasm for cricket, stating, “Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team, except when they play against India.”
PM Modi also praised the Indian diaspora’s contributions to the development of Trinidad and Tobago, saying, “From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce, calypso to chutney, they contribute to every field. They are an integral part of the vibrant diversity that you all respect.”
India and Trinidad and Tobago established diplomatic relations on August 31, 1962, the very day the Caribbean nation gained independence. Since then, their ties have been rooted in shared democratic values, pluralism, and strong people-to-people connections.
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