GONZOMAR, PORTUGAL — India and Trinidad and Tobago have agreed to intensify collaboration in healthcare, digital infrastructure, and agriculture, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999.
Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Trinidadian counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and the two leaders described development cooperation as a crucial pillar of bilateral relations. More than 40% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population is of Indian origin, and the two countries share deep historical and cultural links.
The leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasized the need for global unity in combating it.
“The two leaders acknowledged the common threat posed by terrorism to peace and security. They reiterated their strong condemnation of and resolute opposition to terrorism. They declared that there could be no justification for terrorism, including cross-border terrorism,” the joint statement said.
Agreements Signed
Six major agreements were signed, including:
- MoU on Indian Pharmacopoeia to enhance pharmaceutical cooperation
- Grant Assistance for Quick Impact Projects
- Cultural Exchange Agreement (2025–2028)
- MoUs on Cooperation in Sports, Diplomatic Training, and Cultural Studies, including re-establishment of ICCR Chairs in Hindi and Indian Studies at the University of the West Indies
The nations will also explore collaboration on Indian digital public infrastructure, such as DigiLocker, with Trinidad and Tobago already being the first Caribbean country to adopt India’s UPI digital payments platform.
Support and Aid Announced by India
India announced several development initiatives:
- 2,000 laptops to support T&T’s education programme
- $1 million worth of agro-machinery
- 20 haemodialysis units and two sea ambulances
- A prosthetic limb camp for 800 individuals
UN Reforms and Mutual Support
Both nations supported each other’s aspirations at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC):
- Trinidad and Tobago will support India’s bid for permanent membership in an expanded UNSC
- India will back Trinidad and Tobago’s candidature for a non-permanent seat in 2027–28, and vice versa for India in 2028–29
PM Modi’s Address to Trinidad Parliament
Addressing the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, Modi said:
“It is time for us to work together, to give the Global South its rightful seat at the right table. To ensure climate justice, so that the burden does not fall on those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis. We consider Trinidad and Tobago an important partner in this endeavour.”
He emphasized that the Global South is rising amidst challenges like climate change, food insecurity, terrorism, and AI risks, and that it deserves a fairer world order.
“India has always tried to bridge this gap,” Modi said. He highlighted India’s G20 presidency as a turning point, where India brought Global South issues to the global stage, including vaccine distribution to over 150 countries.
Modi concluded by saying:
“Our vision for such inclusive growth does not stop at our borders. We see our development also as a responsibility towards others. And our priority will always be the Global South.”
India also reaffirmed its intention to encourage investment and innovation partnerships with Trinidad and Tobago, especially in areas such as AI, climate resilience, and digital transformation.