Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral discussions with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, marking the conclusion of his three-nation tour.
In a post on X, PM Modi shared details of the meeting, stating that the discussions focused on diversifying trade linkages between the two nations. PM Modi also praised Trinidad and Tobago for adopting India’s UPI platform and welcomed the signing of an MoU related to agro and food processing.
“Had a very fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago. We discussed how to diversify trade linkages between our nations. Areas such as science, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and agriculture offer immense potential for cooperation. It is a matter of great joy that Trinidad and Tobago has adopted UPI. The signing of an MoU related to agro and food processing is also a welcome step,” PM Modi said.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also highlighted on X that the leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations in areas such as digital transformation, health, defense, maritime security, transportation, and cultural exchanges. Additionally, the leaders witnessed the exchange of an MoU on setting up integrated automatic fruit and vegetable primary processing facilities in Trinidad and Tobago.
The historical relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago dates back to May 30, 1845, when the first ship, Fatel Razack, brought 225 Indian indentured workers to Trinidad, then under British rule. Today, descendants of these workers form the largest ethnic group in Trinidad and Tobago, comprising nearly 42% of the population. This deep-rooted Indian heritage has fostered close ties between the two nations over the past 170 years.
Bilateral exchanges have been substantial, with key visits including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s attendance at the CHOGM Summit in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009 and former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s state visit to India in 2012. These exchanges led to numerous agreements, strengthening relations further.
The first-ever India-CARICOM Summit in September 2019 in New York also played a pivotal role in advancing ties, with India extending a USD 150 million Line of Credit for renewable energy and climate change projects. PM Modi’s current visit builds on this legacy, enhancing engagement with the Caribbean community.
The Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, comprising around 600 families, continues to play a vital role in fostering bilateral relations. The recent waiver of visa requirements for Indian nationals visiting Trinidad and Tobago for tourism and business is another step in strengthening these ties.
(ani)