Why Did PM Narendra Modi Visit Trinidad and Tobago

On July 4, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a historic bilateral visit to Trinidad and Tobago, marking the first Prime Ministerial-level visit from India to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit came as part of Modi's five-nation tour, with Trinidad and Tobago being the second stop after Ghana.

What Agreements Were Signed Between India and Trinidad and Tobago During PM Modi's Visit?

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging talks with his counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the iconic Red House in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. The discussions led to the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, culture, sports, diplomatic training, and quick-impact projects.

The leaders explored collaboration in diverse areas such as:

• Defence

• Agriculture

• Healthcare

• Digital Transformation

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) – a real-time digital payment system developed in India.

• Capacity building and people-to-people exchanges

In a joint statement, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen economic ties and expand cooperation in disaster management, climate change, cyber security, technology, and agricultural research.

Did Trinidad and Tobago Support India’s Bid for a Permanent Seat at the UN Security Council?

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Trinidad and Tobago reaffirmed its full support to India’s bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India, in turn, pledged support for Trinidad and Tobago’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for 2027–28, while Trinidad and Tobago committed to back India's candidacy for 2028–29. Both leaders also called for comprehensive UN reforms to make global governance structures more representative of current geopolitical realities.

How Did PM Modi Strengthen India-CARICOM and Global South Ties?

The visit reaffirmed India's commitment to India-CARICOM ties and to strengthening the voice of the Global South — a term referring to developing nations primarily in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The two leaders agreed to work closely for greater solidarity among developing countries, with particular attention to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

CARICOM (Caribbean Community) is an intergovernmental organization of 15 Caribbean nations, focusing on economic integration, cooperation, and foreign policy coordination.

What Civilian Award Did PM Modi Receive in Trinidad and Tobago?

In recognition of his global leadership, humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and deep engagement with the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Modi was awarded The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation's highest civilian honour. The award was conferred by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who described Modi's visit as a “moment of shared pride and historical connection.”

Earlier in the tour, while visiting Ghana, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, acknowledging his "distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership."

How Did PM Modi Engage with the Indian Community in Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad and Tobago has a population of 1.3 million, with approximately 45% of its people being of Indian origin, primarily descended from migrants who came during the 19th and early 20th centuries as indentured laborers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh (notably Bhojpuri-speaking districts like Chhapra, Ara, Ballia, Siwan, Gopalganj, Banaras, and Azamgarh).

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged these deep-rooted people-to-people ties during his address to the Indian diaspora and Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, stating:

“There is a natural warmth in the connection between our two countries. Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team! We cheer for them with all our heart — except when they are playing against India.”

He praised the contributions of the Indian-origin community in fields such as politics, poetry, cricket, commerce, calypso, and chutney music — symbolic of the vibrant cultural fusion in the Caribbean nation.

Modi also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s ancestral ties to Buxar, Bihar, calling her a "daughter of Bihar". Kamla ji had visited her ancestral village Bhelupur (in Itarhi block, Buxar district) in 2012.

What Was the Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Modi’s Gifts to Trinidad and Tobago?

As a gesture of spiritual and cultural unity, Prime Minister Modi presented Kamla Persad-Bissessar with:

• Holy water from the Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati)

• Water from the Saryu River, sacred in Hindu tradition

• A replica of the Ram Mandir, the grand temple in Ayodhya

He requested Kamla ji to offer the holy waters to Ganga Dhara, a sacred site in Trinidad symbolizing India’s cultural legacy in the Caribbean.

“You all know that earlier this year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamla ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu River and Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara here.”

PM Modi’s Meeting with President Christine Carla Kangaloo

Prime Minister Modi also met Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo at the President’s House in Port of Spain. The meeting was marked by warmth and mutual respect, reflecting the enduring bonds between the two nations.

President Kangaloo was conferred with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award this year — India’s highest honour for overseas Indians — in recognition of her distinguished public service. Modi extended congratulations and appreciation for her leadership and reaffirmed India’s support for Trinidad and Tobago and the CARICOM community.

Way Forward

The visit concluded with a shared resolve to:

• Deepen economic and strategic cooperation

• Combat terrorism in all its forms

• Champion dialogue and diplomacy amidst rising global conflicts

• Promote digital transformation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to visit India, promising further advancement in bilateral cooperation.

In a social media post, PM Modi expressed his gratitude:

“Thank you Trinidad & Tobago. The moments here will never be forgotten. We’ve added new momentum to India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship.”

Explore more on UPSC Content

Click for Daily Quotes:

Stay updated with the latest news by joining our Telegram channel – The PRESS Pad , and follow us on Instagram and X.