India and Trinidad & Tobago Sign Six MoUs to Strengthen Strategic Partnership
India and Trinidad & Tobago have taken a major stride in bolstering their bilateral relations, formalizing six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Port of Spain. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Trinidad & Tobago since 1999, reflecting a renewed focus on comprehensive cooperation.
Infrastructure and Pharma Collaboration
The MoUs include frameworks for joint efforts in infrastructure development and pharmaceutical cooperation, paving the way for improved access to Indian medicines and expertise in Trinidad & Tobago.
Expanding Cooperation in Key Sectors
Additional agreements cover agriculture, healthcare, digital payments—including UPI integration—defence collaboration, cultural and sports exchange, diplomatic training, and swift-impact projects. These sectors highlight the depth and diversity of the countries’ shared vision.
Enhanced Diaspora Engagement
A significant outcome of the visit is the expansion of the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) eligibility to six generations of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago—an acknowledgment of their continued contributions and an effort to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Shared Global South priorities
India and Trinidad & Tobago reaffirmed joint commitments in counterterrorism, climate action, disaster preparedness, and cybersecurity. These priorities were further embedded within the framework of the India–CARICOM partnership, reflecting a unified vision for Global South solidarity.
Symbolic Investments and Cultural Outreach
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi handed over two sea ambulances and donated 2,000 laptops to local schools. He also extended an official invitation to PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to visit India, signaling a deeper diplomatic and strategic engagement that extends beyond ceremonial diplomacy.
This landmark visit builds on nearly six decades of formal relations since 1962, with a strategic partnership launched in 2019. With over 35% of Trinidad & Tobago’s population of Indian origin, the newly forged sixfold collaboration in trade, investment, digital integration, and diaspora outreach underscores a shared goal: elevating strategic and economic bonds for mutual growth.
