• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a five-nation tour, arrived in Trinidad and Tobago for a state visit.

Major Highlights

• This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.
• Prime Minister delivered a speech at port of spain and was given Guard of Honour.
• During town-hall interactions, he engaged with local Indian-origin youth and community leaders, reinforcing the India–Trinidad diaspora connection.
• Prime Minister will be conferred with highest civilian award of Trinidad and Tobago, The order of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

India-Trinidad and Tobago Relations

• Historical: Over 40% of Trinidad & Tobago’s population is of Indian origin, descended from indentured laborers who arrived between 1845 and 1917.
• Both nations share cultural elements including Hindi, Bhojpuri and music (like chutney), Indian cuisine, and Hindu and Muslim festivals like Diwali and Eid, which are national holidays in T&T.
• Diplomatic: Both nations established formal diplomatic ties in 1962, the year of Trinidad & Tobago’s independence.
• India opened a High Commission in Port of Spain in 1962, and Trinidad and Tobago maintains a High Commission in New Delhi.
• High-level visits have been relatively few until recently. PM Modi’s 2025 visit is the first Indian PM visit in over two decades, revitalizing the diplomatic connection.
• Economic and Trade Relations: Bilateral trade was around USD 300 million in recent years, with potential for growth in energy, IT, agro-processing, and education.
• India exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery, chemicals, rice, and auto parts.
• Imports from Trinidad and Tobago include petroleum products, particularly LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

Digital Transformation MoU (2023)

• Back on August 11, 2023, India and Trinidad & Tobago signed an MoU—approved by India’s Cabinet in June 2025—focused on sharing large-scale digital transformation solutions, including India Stack systems for digital public infrastructure
• The agreement, between the two countries’ digital ministries, enhances government-to-government and business-to-business collaboration in digital services, open architecture solutions, and IT employment opportunities. It remains valid for three years from the date of signing .

Agro- and Food-Processing MoU (2024)

• On November 21, 2024, during the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Trinidad & Tobago counterpart Amery Browne formalized an MoU on agro and food processing.
• The initiative includes forging integrated automated facilities for fruit and vegetable processing, with India providing technical assistance and approximately US $1 million in funding, aimed at boosting local agri-value chains and job creation.

Multilateral and Regional Ties

• India works with Trinidad and Tobago on Caricom (Caribbean Community)
• Both nations collaborate in United Nations and Trinidad and Tobago supports India bid for UNSC membership.
• Both nations work in collaboration in Commonwealth of Nations.
• Both Nations work for enhancing the Voice of Global south on International level.

Conclusion

• India and Trinidad & Tobago enjoy a deep, enduring, and culturally rich relationship, rooted in a shared history through the Indian diaspora and reinforced by mutual respect and cooperation.
• Over the decades, this bond has evolved from cultural affinity to strategic collaboration in areas like digital transformation, agriculture, education, and energy.