Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday as part of his five-nation diplomatic tour, marking a historic moment in Indo-Caribbean relations. The visit is particularly significant as it is the first bilateral Indian prime ministerial visit to the island nation in over two decades — the last being in 1999 — and Modi’s first to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister.
Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at Piarco International Airport, underscoring the high regard in which India is held by its Caribbean partner. His visit to this vibrant Caribbean nation is expected to revitalize and deepen long-standing ties rooted in shared history, culture, and diaspora connections.
Strengthening Strategic and Cultural Bonds
During his stay, Prime Minister Modi will hold key discussions with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo, with a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, energy, education, and people-to-people ties.
In a statement ahead of his arrival, Modi said, “I am looking forward to deepening ties with a valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share very old cultural linkages.”
His visit aims to inject fresh momentum into the relationship, particularly in the context of India’s growing global influence and its commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation.
Address to Parliament and Community Engagement
PM Modi is also scheduled to address a joint session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, a rare honour that highlights the importance of the relationship between the two democracies.
Later in the evening, he will engage with the Indian diaspora and local community at a special gathering at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva. The event is expected to draw a large turnout, with cultural performances and interactive sessions celebrating the Indian-Caribbean heritage.
A Strategic Tour Through the Global South
Trinidad and Tobago is the second stop on Modi’s multi-nation tour that began in Ghana, where he met with top leadership and elevated bilateral cooperation to a comprehensive partnership. Following this leg, Modi will travel to:
- Argentina (July 4–5) for high-level meetings on trade and investment
- Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit, where he will join fellow leaders in discussions on global governance and South-South collaboration
- Namibia, which will serve as the final stop, with a focus on energy and climate partnerships
This extensive diplomatic outreach is part of India’s continued efforts to expand its influence and build strong coalitions across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Reaffirming Shared Heritage and Global Aspirations
India and Trinidad and Tobago share deep-rooted cultural and historical bonds, largely due to the significant Indian-origin population in the Caribbean nation. The visit is expected to open new doors for cooperation in heritage conservation, education, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
As PM Modi continues his outreach across continents, his Trinidad and Tobago visit stands out as a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to its diaspora diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and global south solidarity — with lasting implications for both nations.
