Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the small twin-Island country of Trinidad and Tobago from 3 to 4 July 2025. Significantly, this was the first by an Indian to the Prime Minister to this island nation in 26 years. Located at the southernmost end of the Caribbean archipelago, Trinidad and Tobago presents a multitude of strategic opportunities for India. Trinidad and Tobago also has strong cultural and historical linkages with India with the presence of a significant Indian diaspora. The visit of Narendra Modi strengthened these bonds further.
Modi’s 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 linkages, and shared democratic values that form the bedrock of the longstanding friendship between the two nations. A Community Diaspora Event in honour of the Indian Prime Minister. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar remarked that the presence of Narendra Modi was a “source of great inspiration to all of us, particularly to the Indo-Trinidadian community, whose roots are planted in the same blessed Indian soil from which you emerged.” She described Modi as a transformational leader who has redefined governance in India and positioned the country as a prominent and dominant global power. The government of Trinidad and Tobago honoured honour Modi with the prestigious Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) during his visit describing it as “a tribute of the nation’s appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s outstanding contribution to the development of Trinidad and Tobago; and service to the region and wider international community”.
On July 4, the Indian Prime Minister addressed the Joint Assembly of the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. He started his address by highlighting the strong cultural bonds between the two nations. “Today, the people of Indian origin are proud bearers of the red, black and white flag. From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce, calypso to chutney, they contribute to every field. They are an integral part of the vibrant diversity that you all respect. Together you have built a nation that lives its motto—Together we aspire, Together we achieve,” Modi said among heavy applause. Modi highlighted that India aspired for a world order with a greater voice of the Global South and in the same spirit, it was deepening its ties with Trinidad and Tobago.
During the official talks between both the Prime Ministers, discussions were held on a wide-range of areas of potential collaboration including agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, UPI, capacity building, culture, sports and people-to-people ties. Both leaders emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration to address current global challenges such as climate change, disaster response, and cyber security. The Prime Minister conveyed gratitude for Trinidad and Tobago’s firm support and solidarity with the Indian people following the Pahalgam terror attack. Both leaders reaffirmed their joint resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and expressions. Trinidad and Tobago affirmed its full backing for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, while India committed to supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat for the 2027–2028 term. In return, Trinidad and Tobago will support India’s non-permanent seat bid for the 2028–2029 term.
Six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed during Prime Minister Modi’s State Visit to Trinidad and Tobago. These included an MoU on Indian Pharmacopoeia, an agreement on Indian Grant Assistance for Quick Impact Projects, and a cultural exchange programme for the period 2025–2028. Additional MoUs focused on cooperation in sports, diplomatic training, and the re-establishment of two ICCR academic chairs in Hindi and Indian Studies at the University of the West Indies.
Prime Minister Modi also made several significant announcements. He extended the OCI card facility to sixth-generation Indian diaspora members in Trinidad and Tobago, expanding it from the previous limit of the fourth generation. India gifted 2,000 laptops to school students, handed over agro-processing machinery worth USD 1 million to NAMDEVCO, and launched a 50-day artificial limb fitment camp for 800 individuals. Under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, Trinidadian citizens were offered access to specialized medical treatments in India. Additional support included the donation of 20 haemodialysis units and two sea ambulances to strengthen healthcare services, as well as the solarisation of the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs’ headquarters. Cultural and educational cooperation was further deepened through the celebration of Geeta Mahotsav in Port of Spain and training programmes for Pandits from Trinidad and the Caribbean.
In a significant gesture of solidarity, Trinidad and Tobago also announced its decision to join India-led global platforms—the Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)—reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and inclusive global development in alignment with India’s vision.
