Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 26 years. The visit coincided with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants to Trinidad and Tobago in 1845 and reaffirmed the deep-rooted civilizational ties, vibrant people-to-people connections, and shared democratic values between the two nations.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar was congratulated by Modi on her recent electoral victory and her contributions to strengthening bilateral ties. In recognition of Modi’s leadership within India and globally, he was conferred the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s highest national honour.
Both leaders held extensive discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues and reiterated their commitment to building a broad-based, inclusive, and future-oriented partnership. They focused on expanding cooperation in health, ICT, culture, sports, trade, economic development, agriculture, justice, legal affairs, education and skills. They condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, and declared that no justification for terrorism would be acceptable.
A number of important agreements and Memoranda of Understanding were signed in areas such as pharmaceuticals, development cooperation, academia, cultural exchange, diplomatic training and sports. The outcomes of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit held in November 2024 were recalled, and both sides committed to accelerating implementation of previously announced initiatives.
Modi congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first Caribbean country to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and agreed to expand collaboration under India Stack solutions including DigiLocker, e-Sign, and Government e-Marketplace. Trinidad and Tobago also sought India’s support in digitising and upgrading its system for state land registration. Both leaders highlighted the importance of digital governance and public service delivery in enabling inclusive development and national competitiveness.
To support Trinidad and Tobago’s flagship education programme, Modi announced a gift of 2,000 laptops and encouraged students to explore higher education in India under various scholarship schemes. Agriculture and food security were identified as priority areas, with India gifting agro-machinery worth USD 1 million to the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago. Modi also handed over the first batch of this machinery symbolically and offered assistance in natural farming, seaweed-based fertilizers, and millet cultivation.
In healthcare, Modi applauded Trinidad and Tobago’s recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia, facilitating access to quality and affordable generic medicines. A prosthetic limb fitment camp for 800 people will be organized in Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago expressed gratitude for the donation of 20 haemodialysis units and two sea ambulances from India. India’s support under the USD 1 million ‘HALT in COVID-19’ project, including mobile healthcare robots, telemedicine kits, and hand hygiene stations, was also acknowledged.
A Memorandum of Understanding on Quick Impact Projects was signed to enable swift implementation of community development programmes in Trinidad and Tobago with India’s assistance. Persad-Bissessar lauded India’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic and its rapid supply of vaccines and medical equipment.
Trinidad and Tobago’s participation in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuel Alliance was welcomed, alongside a grant offer from India to install rooftop solar panels on the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs headquarters. Modi’s Mission LiFE was appreciated for promoting sustainable lifestyles and climate action.
Capacity building was affirmed as a key pillar of bilateral ties, with 85 ITEC training slots offered annually. India also offered to send experts to Trinidad and Tobago for large-scale training. Modi proposed collaboration in forensic science and legal systems, including training of Trinidad and Tobago officials both in India and on site.
The leaders agreed on enhancing bilateral trade and investment and signed an MoU on Sports Cooperation to expand talent training, infrastructure and capacity building. Modi reiterated India’s offer to train young women cricketers from Trinidad and Tobago.
Modi announced training in India for a cohort of Trinidadian Pundits, who will also take part in Geeta Mahotsav in India. Persad-Bissessar welcomed India’s proposal to jointly celebrate Geeta Mahotsav in Trinidad and Tobago. The bilateral Programme of Cultural Exchanges was renewed through an MoU for 2025–2028. Trinidad and Tobago committed to sending percussionists and other artists to India. Modi thanked Trinidad and Tobago for promoting Yoga and Hindi and offered to send Yoga trainers and support integrating Yoga into the national school curriculum.
Marking the 180th anniversary of Indian arrivals in Trinidad and Tobago, both leaders stressed the importance of Nelson Island for cultural tourism and agreed on the digitisation of historical records. Modi announced the issuance of Overseas Citizenship of India cards up to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora.
They welcomed the revival of Academic Chairs in Hindi and Indian Studies at the University of the West Indies, and committed to reviving the India-Trinidad and Tobago Parliamentary Friendship Group and encouraging regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations.
Both leaders shared views on global developments and reaffirmed commitment to peace, climate justice, inclusive growth, and amplifying the voice of the Global South. They called for comprehensive UN reforms, including expansion of the Security Council. Trinidad and Tobago reaffirmed support for India’s permanent membership bid, while India will support Trinidad and Tobago’s non-permanent candidature for 2027–2028. In return, Trinidad and Tobago will support India’s non-permanent candidature for 2028–2029.
Modi extended heartfelt thanks for the hospitality extended by Trinidad and Tobago and invited Kamla Persad-Bissessar to visit India. She reciprocated with an invitation for Modi to return to Trinidad and Tobago. Both leaders hailed the outcomes of the visit as a springboard for a new era in bilateral relations.
