India and Trinidad and Tobago: Strengthening Ties through Strategic Partnership

Explore the highlights of India and Trinidad and Tobago relations in 2025, covering agreements signed, economic cooperation, diaspora connections, and key takeaways from PM Narendra Modi's landmark visit.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Port of Spain on 4 July for a state visit to Trinidad & Tobago—marking the first such visit by an Indian PM since 1999.

In July 2025, India and Trinidad and Tobago elevated their diplomatic relationship with a landmark bilateral visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 26 years, coinciding with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad and Tobago in 1845.

This historic moment reflected not only deep civilizational and cultural ties, but also a renewed focus on economic, strategic, and developmental cooperation between the two nations.

India and Trinidad and Tobago

India and Trinidad & Tobago share a rich historical, cultural, and diplomatic relationship that has grown stronger over the decades. The bilateral ties between the two nations are rooted in shared democratic values, vibrant people-to-people connections, and deep-seated civilizational links dating back to the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in Trinidad and Tobago in 1845. Recent developments in 2025, including the landmark official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have opened a new chapter in India-Trinidad & Tobago relations, focusing on strategic cooperation across multiple sectors.

India and Trinidad and Tobago: Historical Background

The Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago forms a significant part of the country’s demographic and cultural fabric. Beginning with the arrival of the first Indian immigrants in 1845, Indians have made significant contributions to the socio-economic development of Trinidad and Tobago. The 180th anniversary of this historic migration was commemorated during Prime Minister Modi’s visit in July 2025, symbolizing the enduring bonds between the two countries.

About Port of Spain

An island country in the southeastern West Indies, located in the Atlantic Ocean.
Lies close to the South American coast, northeast of Venezuela and northwest of Guyana.
It comprises two main islands:
- Trinidad (larger and more industrial)
- Tobago (smaller and more tourism-driven).
Mountain Range: The Northern Range in Trinidad is an extension of Venezuela’s Andes Mountains.
Natural Resource: Pitch Lake (in La Brea, Trinidad) is the world’s largest natural asphalt deposit.
Highest Point: Mount Aripo, in the Northern Range.
Major Rivers: Ortoire River and Caroni River.

Political and Historical Context

Former Spanish and later British colony; gained independence in 1962 and became a republic in 1976.
Capital: Port of Spain (on the island of Trinidad).
Government Type: Unitary parliamentary republic.
Member of the Commonwealth of Nations and CARICOM (Caribbean Community).

About The Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

It is a political and economic union of 15 member states and 6 associate members in the Caribbean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Americas.
Member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
It was established through the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973.
Chairmanship of the Community is rotated every 6 months among the member countries’ Heads.
Main Goals: Promote economic integration and cooperation, ensure equitable sharing of the benefits of integration and coordinate foreign policy.

Note: Caribbean civil society urges CARICOM to impose an arms embargo on Israel.

International Significance

Major oil and natural gas producer in the Caribbean.
Hosts several regional organisations and summits.
A strategic point for trade in the Caribbean–Atlantic region.

Key Highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Trinidad & Tobago in 2025

Prime Minister Modi’s official visit from July 3 to 4, 2025, marked the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad & Tobago in 26 years. The visit was significant in reaffirming the strategic partnership and expanding cooperation in critical sectors. Below are the key takeaways from this landmark visit:

1. Strengthening Economic and Trade Relations

Both nations committed to deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.
Focus areas include infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, digital economy, and healthcare.
Agreements were signed to facilitate smoother trade and promote mutual investments.

2. Digital Cooperation and Technology Exchange

Trinidad & Tobago became the first Caribbean country to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a milestone in digital financial inclusion in the region.
Both countries agreed to collaborate on implementing India Stack solutions, including DigiLocker, e-Sign, and Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
India is committed to supporting the digitisation and modernisation of state land registration systems in Trinidad & Tobago.
A donation of 2000 laptops from India supports Trinidad & Tobago’s flagship educational programs.

3. Health and Pharmaceutical Partnership

India’s recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia by Trinidad & Tobago facilitates access to quality generic medicines.
The visit included donations of critical healthcare equipment such as haemodialysis units and sea ambulances.
Plans were announced for a prosthetic limb fitment camp benefiting hundreds of individuals.
Collaboration to provide medical treatment opportunities in India for Trinidad & Tobago citizens.

4. Agriculture and Food Security

India gifted agro-machinery worth USD 1 million to support food processing and storage efforts in Trinidad & Tobago.
Areas of cooperation include natural farming, seaweed-based fertilizers, and millet cultivation, promoting sustainable agriculture.

5. Climate Action and Disaster Resilience

Trinidad & Tobago joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuel Alliance, reflecting shared commitments to sustainable development.
India offered to install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system for the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs in Trinidad & Tobago.
Both countries plan to collaborate on early warning systems for disaster risk reduction.

6. Cultural and Educational Exchanges

Renewal of the Programme of Cultural Exchanges (2025-2028), promoting deeper cultural ties.
Support for Yoga and Hindi language promotion, with plans to include Yoga in Trinidad & Tobago’s national school curriculum.
India to provide training for Trinidad & Tobago’s Pundits and organize joint celebrations of Geeta Mahotsav.
Scholarships and training programs through ITEC to enhance educational cooperation.

7. Defence and Security Cooperation

Joint condemnation of terrorism and shared commitment to combating all forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.
Cooperation in justice and forensic science capacity building, with training exchange programs planned.

8. Parliamentary and Sporting Ties

Plans to revive the India-Trinidad & Tobago Parliamentary Friendship Group.
An MoU on sports cooperation was signed to foster training, talent exchange, and infrastructure development, especially supporting women’s cricket.

Strategic Importance of India-Trinidad & Tobago Relations

Geopolitical Outreach in the Caribbean

India’s engagement with Trinidad & Tobago strengthens its presence in the Caribbean region and reinforces its position within the CARICOM community. This engagement aligns with India’s broader Global South diplomacy and commitment to South-South cooperation.

Diaspora Diplomacy

The Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago acts as a bridge fostering bilateral relations. The extension of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards up to the sixth generation reflects India’s commitment to its diaspora.

Multilateral Cooperation

Both countries support reforms in the United Nations, including the expansion of the Security Council. Trinidad & Tobago has pledged support for India’s bid for permanent UNSC membership, while India supports Trinidad & Tobago’s candidature for a non-permanent UNSC seat in 2027-28.

Conclusion

The 2025 official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Trinidad & Tobago has ushered in a new era of cooperation and partnership. Through comprehensive agreements spanning infrastructure, digital economy, healthcare, agriculture, culture, and security, India and Trinidad & Tobago have paved the way for a dynamic and forward-looking bilateral relationship. This strengthened partnership reflects shared democratic values, strategic interests, and a mutual commitment to global peace and sustainable development.