India and Trinidad & Tobago Forge Stronger Ties with Six Pacts, UNSC Support

India and Trinidad and Tobago have signed six agreements to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, sports, culture, and more, following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, on Friday. The landmark visit, the first by an Indian prime minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999, marks a new chapter in bilateral ties, with Trinidad and Tobago reaffiming its full support for India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.

During the talks, Modi announced that India will issue Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, where over 40% of the population is of Indian origin. The leaders explored collaboration in defense, agriculture, healthcare, digital transformation, and unified payments interface (UPI). The agreements include initiatives for sports training, talent exchange, and infrastructure development, with Modi offering to train young women cricketers from Trinidad and Tobago in India.

A joint statement highlighted the need for UN reforms, including an expanded Security Council to reflect global realities. Trinidad and Tobago endorsed India’s permanent membership bid, while India supported the Caribbean nation’s candidacy for a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027-28, with reciprocal support for India’s 2028-29 bid. Both leaders emphasized dialogue and diplomacy to address rising geopolitical tensions and global conflicts.

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Modi met President Christine Carla Kangaloo, congratulating her on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and praising her public service. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism in all forms, with Modi expressing gratitude for Trinidad and Tobago’s solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the visit has invigorated India-CARICOM ties and solidarity among Global South nations.

Addressing Trinidad and Tobago’s parliament, Modi celebrated the Indian diaspora’s contributions, from politics to cricket, and lauded the nation’s motto: “Together we aspire, together we achieve.” He invited Bissessar to visit India, an invitation she accepted, signaling deeper engagement ahead.

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