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M Kejia
6 July 2025 |
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The following note was earlier published in The World This Week #318 Vol 7, No 27, 6 July 2025
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago:
A Significant Visit for a Road to Strategic Partnership
M Kejia
What happened?
On 3 July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago for a two-day official visit as a part of his five-nation tour. PM Modi was welcomed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four MPs at the airport. This visit was the first bilateral visit at the PM level to Trinidad and Tobago after a gap of 25 years.
On 3 July, PM Modi highlighting the historic cultural ties, pointed out that Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. He notedthat 45 per cent of Trinidad and Tobago's population is of Indian origin, with their primary roots from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
On 4 July, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
On 4 July, Modi addressed a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. The address focused on shared cultural heritage and bilateral cooperation.
On 4 July, India and Trinidad & Tobago signed six MoUs. Some of the key MoUs include agreement on Programme of Cultural Exchanges for the period 2025-2028, MoU on Cooperation in Sports MoU on Co-operation in Diplomatic Training; MoU on the re-establishment of two ICCR Chairs of Hindi and Indian Studies at the University of West Indies (UWI), Trinidad and Tobago, MoU on Indian Pharmacopoeia and an agreement on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).
On 4 July, PM Modi announced that India will offer Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago.
On 4 July, PM Modi was conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’, the country's highest civilian honour.
What is the background?
First, the historical relations between India and T&T. . India and Trinidad and Tobago share deeply rooted historical and cultural ties, primarily developed through the migration of Indian bound labourers during British colonial rule. The first ship, Fatel Razack, arrived in Trinidad on 30 May 1845, carrying 225 Indian labourers from the regions now known as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Over the next 70 years, approximately 147,000 Indians arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, which resulted in creation of one of the largest and most enduring Indian diasporas in the Caribbean. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1962, after Tobago’s independence, and the two countries have maintained friendly relations. Despite strong cultural bonds, high-level bilateral visits have been limited.
Second, India’s trade ties with Trinidad and Tobago., India and Trinidad and Tobago maintain moderate but growing trade relations. India imports liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, and ammonia from Trinidad. India exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. During the fiscal year 2022–23, bilateral trade stood at approximately USD 245 million.
Third, cultural ties between India and T&T.. Indian festivals like Diwali and Phagwa (Holi) are national holidays in Trinidad and Tobago. There are institutions such as the Indian Cultural Centre in Port of Spain, which is operated by the Indian High Commissionthat offer classes in Hindi, yoga, classical Indian music, and dance. Hindi is taught in some schools, and local media also features Indian cultural content., Also, Trinidadian artists and scholars regularly participate in Indian cultural festivals. On the educational front, T&T students have benefited from 85 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots annually and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) fellowships to study in India, particularly in areas like IT, public administration, and health.
What does this mean?
First, India’s economic interests in T&T. The six MoUs open new avenues for Indian businesses, particularly in pharmaceuticals, infrastructure development, and technology sectors. India's expertise in digital solutions, healthcare, and manufacturing can find new markets in the Caribbean. The agreements create opportunities for Indian companies to participate in Trinidad and Tobago's development projects.
Second, India engaging in energy partnership beyond traditional suppliers. Trinidad and Tobago are rich in energy resources, particularly natural gas and petroleum products, which offer India opportunities for energy cooperation and diversification of energy sources. This benefits from India's strategy of securing energy partnerships beyond traditional suppliers.
About the Author
M Kejia is student in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Pondicherry University, Puducherry.
