India, Trinidad & Tobago ink six pacts to expand ties

In a powerful demonstration of deepening bilateral ties, India and Trinidad and Tobago on Friday (July 4, 2025) signed six significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), further solidifying the India-Trinidad and Tobago Strategic Partnership. The agreements span key sectors such as infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, diplomatic training, sports, and culture.

This historic occasion came after high-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Trinidadian counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar, underscoring a renewed era of collaboration rooted in shared values, common interests, and rich cultural heritage.

India: Strengthening Bonds Through Visionary Leadership

Addressing the media after the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Modi described the visit as “a moment of renewed momentum.” He added, “This landmark visit to Trinidad and Tobago has created new pathways of cooperation between our nations and enriched the India-Trinidad and Tobago Strategic Partnership in a truly transformational way.”

Ms Bissessar, welcoming the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999, emphasised that the discussions had laid a solid foundation for long-term cooperation. “This visit by Prime Minister Modi is more than symbolic; it is a tangible reaffirmation of our friendship, one that will bring mutual progress and prosperity,” she stated.

Key Agreements: Building Blocks of Progress

The six MoUs signed between the two nations aim to fast-track collaboration in the following areas:

• Infrastructure development

• Pharmaceutical collaboration and pharmacopoeia exchange

• Digital transformation and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) adoption

• Quick-impact projects and capacity building

• Cultural and sports exchanges

• Diplomatic training

These agreements are expected to significantly accelerate socio-economic development in both nations and showcase the shared commitment to innovation and inclusive growth.

India: A United Stand on Global Issues

In a powerful gesture of solidarity, Trinidad and Tobago reaffirmed its full support for India’s bid for permanent membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In return, India pledged its support for Trinidad and Tobago’s non-permanent seat on the Council for the 2027–28 term.

Both leaders called for comprehensive UN reforms to ensure global institutions reflect the current geopolitical realities. “Dialogue and diplomacy must take precedence over conflict,” the joint statement declared, calling for cooperative action on issues like climate change, disaster resilience, and cyber security.

Deepening People-to-People Ties

A major highlight of the visit was the announcement of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) eligibility for the sixth-generation Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. The move recognizes the longstanding contributions of the Indian community to Trinidad’s multicultural fabric.

Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Modi celebrated this diversity:
“From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce, calypso to chutney – people of Indian origin are a vibrant thread in the national tapestry of Trinidad and Tobago. You are a living bridge between our two nations.”

High-Level Engagements and Mutual Recognition

Prime Minister Modi also met with President Christine Carla Kangaloo, congratulating her on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and acknowledging her outstanding public service. Their meeting reflected the enduring warmth and mutual respect between the two nations.

In a heartfelt social media post, Mr Modi shared:
“Thank you Trinidad & Tobago. The moments here will never be forgotten. We’ve added new momentum to the India-Trinidad and Tobago Strategic Partnership. My gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and the wonderful people of this beautiful nation.”

India: Cricket, Culture, and Common Dreams

Striking a personal chord, Mr. Modi drew parallels through cricket diplomacy. “Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies team – except when they’re playing against India!” he quipped, receiving thunderous applause.

Echoing Trinidad and Tobago’s national motto, he added, “Together we aspire, together we achieve – and this is exactly what defines the spirit of our partnership.”

Forging Ahead: A Shared Global Vision

Looking ahead, both countries pledged to strengthen India-CARICOM ties and champion the causes of the Global South. The leaders emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation in addressing global inequities, promoting economic growth, and ensuring sustainable development.

The MEA confirmed that Prime Minister Modi invited Ms Bissessar to visit India — an invitation she gladly accepted, signalling ongoing engagement at the highest levels.

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