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Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India, Trinidad and Tobago to boost ties in health, digitalisation, agriculture
New Delhi: India and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to ramp up collaboration in healthcare, digital infrastructure and agriculture as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Trnidadian counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar focused on development cooperation as an important pillar in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Trnidadian counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar (PMO) The two countries signed six agreements during Modi's visit to the Caribbean nation, the first by an Indian premier since 1999. Trinidad and Tobago was the second destination in Modi's five-nation tour, and people of Indian-origin make up more than 40% of the country's population of 1.36 million. During their talks late on Friday, the two leaders called for greater cooperation on contemporary challenges such as climate change, disaster management and cyber-security. Modi appreciated Trinidad and Tobago's strong support and solidarity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The two leaders agreed to work together for solidarity among the countries of the Global South and to strengthen India-CARICOM partnership, the external affairs ministry said. Modi and Bissessar also decided to build an inclusive and forward-looking partnership in healthcare, information and communication technology, trade, agriculture, legal affairs, skill development and sports, according to a joint statement. 'The two leaders acknowledged the common threat posed by terrorism to peace and security. They reiterated their strong condemnation of and resolute opposition to terrorism. They declared that there could be no justification for terrorism, including cross-border terrorism,' the joint statement said. Both sides emphasised the need for reforms in the UN and Trinidad and Tobago said it will support India's bid for permanent membership of an expanded Security Council. It was also agreed that India will support Trinidad and Tobago's candidature for a non-permanent seat in Security Council for 2027-28, while Trinidad and Tobago will support India's candidature for 2028-29. The two countries signed six agreements, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Indian pharmacopoeia that will allow closer collaboration in pharmaceuticals and provide improved access for Indian products to markets in Trinidad and Tobago. An agreement on Indian grant assistance for quick impact projects will strengthen the development cooperation partnership. The two sides also signed an agreement for cultural exchanges for 2025-2028, and three MoUs for cooperation in sports, diplomatic training, and re-establishment of two Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) chairs in Hindi and Indian studies at the University of West Indies. As part of efforts to expand cooperation in the digital domain, the two sides will explore collaboration in implementing Indian digital public infrastructure solutions, including DigiLocker. Trinidad and Tobago, the first Caribbean country to adopt India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payments platform, sought support in digitization of the state land registration system. The Indian side announced a gift of 2,000 laptops to support Trinidad and Tobago's flagship educational programme, a gift of agro-machinery worth $1 million to bolster food security, and the donation of 20 haemodialysis units and two sea ambulances. Modi also announced a prosthetic limb camp for 800 individuals will be organised in Trinidad and Tobago. Earlier, while addressing the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, Modi said India will work with its partners to give the Global South its 'rightful seat at the right table', create a fairer world order and ensure reforms of global bodies such as the UN. Modi, the first Indian premier to address a joint assembly of the Parliament of the Caribbean nation, described terrorism as the enemy of humanity and said India and Trinidad and Tobago must be united to deny terrorism any space. 'It is time for us to work together, to give the Global South its rightful seat at the right table. To ensure climate justice, so that the burden does not fall on those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis. We consider Trinidad and Tobago an important partner in this endeavour,' Modi said. Also Read: PM says India working to give Global South rightful place At a time when the world is facing challenges such as climate change, food, health and energy security, and terrorism remains a pressing threat, the 'Global South is rising', Modi said. There are also new challenges in space and cyber security and artificial Intelligence is unlocking new opportunities and risks.. The countries of the Global South 'wish to see a new and fairer world order', he said. Hopes about the realisation of long-pending reforms of the UN have 'turned into disappointment' and the 'voice of the developing world remains on the margins', he said. 'India has always tried to bridge this gap,' he added. India brought the concerns of the Global South to the centre of global decision-making during its presidency of the G20 and provided vaccines and medicines to more than 150 countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. India's development partnerships too are 'demand-driven, respectful and without conditions', Modi said, in an apparent attempt to differentiate India's role from that of China's Belt and Road Initiative. 'Our vision for such inclusive growth does not stop at our borders. We see our development also as a responsibility towards others. And our priority will always be the Global South,' Modi said. India is deepening its relations with Trinidad and Tobago and will encourage businesses to invest more in the Caribbean nation. 'We are also keen to collaborate on other digital innovations. As India develops AI tools to foster growth and development in the Global South, Trinidad and Tobago will be a priority nation for us,' he said.
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Business Standard
05-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India, Trinidad & Tobago sign 6 pacts; eye deeper ties in key sectors
India and Trinidad and Tobago on Friday inked six agreements to shore up their cooperation in several sectors, including infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and culture following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The two leaders also explored potential collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and digital transformation, unified payments interface (UPI), capacity building and people-to-people exchanges. Modi landed in Port of Spain on Thursday in the second leg of his five-nation tour. It is the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to this Caribbean island nation since 1999. In her remarks during the delegation-level talks, Bissesar noted that Prime Minister Modi's "landmark visit" to Trinidad and Tobago will reinvigorate the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two countries. On his part, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago's strong support and solidarity to the people of India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. "The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Prime Minister Modi also met Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo. The six MoUs will provide for deeper cooperation between India and Trinidad and Tobago in the fields of pharmacopoeia, quick-impact projects, culture, sports and diplomatic training among others. Several announcements to foster bilateral ties, including the offer of OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card to the sixth generation of the people of Indian-origin in the Caribbean nation were made. The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi and Bissesar agreed to work together for greater solidarity among the countries of the Global South and to strengthen India-CARICOM partnership. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is an intergovernmental organisation of 15 member states in the Caribbean region having the primary objective to promote economic integration and cooperation among the members. "Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They called upon greater cooperation to deal with contemporary challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and cyber security," the Ministry of External Affairs said. On Prime Minister Modi's meeting with President Kangaloo, the ministry said it was marked by warmth and a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. "The prime minister congratulated President Kangaloo on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award this year and expressed deep appreciation for her distinguished public service," it said. "The two leaders reflected on the enduring bonds shared by the two countries, anchored by strong people-to-people ties," it added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India, Trinidad & Tobago ink six pacts to expand ties
Port of Spain: India and Trinidad and Tobago on Friday inked six agreements to shore up their cooperation in several sectors including infrastructure and pharmaceuticals following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar . The two leaders also explored potential collaboration in areas of defence, agriculture, healthcare and digital transformation, unified payments interface (UPI), capacity building and people-to-people exchanges. "The landmark visit of the prime minister to Trinidad and Tobago has given a boost to the special ties between the countries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is your tinnitus getting worse? Do this immediately (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo Modi landed in Port of Spain on Thursday in the second leg of his five-nation tour. It is the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to this Caribbean island nation since 1999. In her remarks during the delegation-level talks, Bissesar noted that Prime Minister Modi's "landmark visit" to Trinidad and Tobago will reinvigorate the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two countries. Live Events On his part, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago's strong support and solidarity to the people of India in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack. "The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Prime Minister Modi also met Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo. In a social media post, Modi said a new momentum was added to the friendship between India and Trinidad and Tobago. "Thank you Trinidad & Tobago. The moments here will never be forgotten. We've added new momentum to India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship. My gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the government and people of this wonderful nation," he said. The six MoUs will provide for deeper cooperation between India and Trinidad and Tobago in the fields of pharmacopoeia, quick-impact projects, culture, sports and diplomatic training among others. Several announcements to foster bilateral ties, including the offer of OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card to the sixth generation of the people of Indian-origin in the Caribbean nation were made. The MEA said Modi and Bissesar agreed to work together for greater solidarity among the countries of the Global South and to strengthen India-CARICOM partnership. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is an intergovernmental organisation of 15 member states in the Caribbean region having the primary objective to promote economic integration and cooperation among the members. "Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They called upon greater cooperation to deal with contemporary challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and cyber security," the MEA said. On Prime Minister Modi's meeting with President Kangaloo, the MEA said it was marked by warmth and a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. "The prime minister congratulated President Kangaloo on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award this year and expressed deep appreciation for her distinguished public service," it said. "The two leaders reflected on the enduring bonds shared by the two countries, anchored by strong people-to-people ties," it added. The MEA said Prime Minister Modi invited Bissessar to pay a visit to India, which she accepted. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi addressed the parliament of the Caribbean nation and spoke about the cricket connection between the two countries. "There is a natural warmth in the connection between our two countries. I must say, 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 said. Modi also lauded the contribution of Indian-origin people to Trinidad and Tobago's development journey. "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. India and Trinidad and Tobago established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1962, the same year the Caribbean nation gained independence. The two countries enjoy traditionally warm and cordial relations, underpinned by shared democratic values, pluralism, and deep-rooted people-to-people ties.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India, Trinidad & Tobago ink six pacts to expand ties
India and Trinidad and Tobago on Friday (July 4, 2025) inked six agreements to shore up their cooperation in several sectors including infrastructure and pharmaceuticals following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The two leaders also explored potential collaboration in areas of defence, agriculture, healthcare and digital transformation, unified payments interface (UPI), capacity building and people-to-people exchanges. "The landmark visit of the Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago has given a boost to the special ties between the countries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Mr. Modi landed in Port of Spain on Thursday in the second leg of his five-nation tour. It is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to this Caribbean island nation since 1999. In her remarks during the delegation-level talks, Ms. Bissesar noted that Prime Minister Modi's "landmark visit" to Trinidad and Tobago will reinvigorate the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two countries. On his part, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago's strong support and solidarity to the people of India in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack. "The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Prime Minister Modi also met Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo. In a social media post, Mr. Modi said a new momentum was added to the friendship between India and Trinidad and Tobago. "Thank you Trinidad & Tobago. The moments here will never be forgotten. We've added new momentum to India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship. My gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the government and people of this wonderful nation," he said. The six MoUs will provide for deeper cooperation between India and Trinidad and Tobago in the fields of pharmacopoeia, quick-impact projects, culture, sports and diplomatic training among others. Several announcements to foster bilateral ties, including the offer of OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card to the sixth generation of the people of Indian-origin in the Caribbean nation were made. The MEA said Mr. Modi and Ms. Bissesar agreed to work together for greater solidarity among the countries of the Global South and to strengthen India-CARICOM partnership. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is an intergovernmental organisation of 15 member states in the Caribbean region having the primary objective to promote economic integration and cooperation among the members. "Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They called upon greater cooperation to deal with contemporary challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and cyber security," the MEA said. On Prime Minister Modi's meeting with President Kangaloo, the MEA said it was marked by warmth and a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. "The Prime Minister congratulated President Kangaloo on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award this year and expressed deep appreciation for her distinguished public service," it said. "The two leaders reflected on the enduring bonds shared by the two countries, anchored by strong people-to-people ties," it added. The MEA said Prime Minister Modi invited Ms. Bissessar to pay a visit to India, which she accepted. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi addressed the parliament of the Caribbean nation and spoke about the cricket connection between the two countries. "There is a natural warmth in the connection between our two countries. I must say, 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 said. Mr. Modi also lauded the contribution of Indian-origin people to Trinidad and Tobago's development journey. "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'," Mr. Modi said. India and Trinidad and Tobago established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1962, the same year the Caribbean nation gained independence. The two countries enjoy traditionally warm and cordial relations, underpinned by shared democratic values, pluralism, and deep-rooted people-to-people ties.
United News of India
05-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
PM Modi thanks T&T for standing with India in the fight against terrorism
Port of Spain/New Delhi, July 4 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today termed terrorism as the enemy of humanity, and thanked the people and government of Trinidad and Tobago for standing with India in the fight against terrorism. In his address to the Joint Assembly of the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, PM Modi referred to the July 1990 coup attempt on the T&T Parliament, also known as the Red House. At the time, the Jamaat al Muslimeen terror group, in a coup attempt, took the then Prime Minister A.N.R Robinson and most of his Cabinet hostage, which ended after six days and left seven people dead. PM Modi, in his address, said: 'This very Red House has itself witnessed the wounds of terror and the loss of innocent blood. We must stand united to deny terrorism any shelter or space. We thank the people and the government of this country for standing with us in our fight against terrorism.' Stating that though their two nations differ in size and geography, they are deeply aligned in their values, he said India's priority will always be the Global South. He said India is deepening its relations with T&T, and trade will grow, and India will encourage its businesses to invest more in this country. 'Our development partnership will expand. Training, capacity building, and skill development will keep human development at its centre. Health has been and will remain a key part of our partnership.' He said T&T's recognition of Indian medical standards will ensure access to high-quality, affordable medicines for all. Welcoming the Caribbean nation's decision to adopt the UPI digital payment system, the PM said India is keen to collaborate on other digital innovations. 'As India develops AI tools to foster growth and development in the Global South, Trinidad and Tobago will be a priority nation for us.' He said India will share its expertise in agriculture, horticulture and food processing. 'Machinery from India will support your agro-industry.' India will also organise an artificial limb fitment camp for differently-abled citizens, he added. 'For us, there are no limits to our cooperation with you. We will always be guided by your needs and priorities.' 'As a key player in the Caribbean and a bridge to Latin America, Trinidad and Tobago has great potential. I am sure that our ties will help us forge a stronger connection with the wider region,' the PM added. PM Modi said building on the momentum of the second India-CARICOM summit, India is eager to collaborate on initiatives that enhance trade and investment, build infrastructure and mobility, implement community development projects, and support capacity building, training and skill development on a large scale. 'The world is faced with challenges of climate change, food, health and energy security. Terrorism remains a pressing threat. Colonial rules of the past may have ended, but their shadows linger in new forms.' On the UN, he said, "When the United Nations turned 75, there was great hope across the developing world. 'A hope that long-pending reforms would be realised. That their voices would finally be heard. But that hope has turned into disappointment. The voice of the developing world remains on the margins. India has always tried to bridge this gap.' He said for India, MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, is the guiding vision for the Global South. 'Whenever we got the opportunity, we have given voice to the Global South.' 'It is time for us to work together, to give the Global South its rightful seat at the right table. To ensure climate justice, so that the burden does not fall on those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis. We consider Trinidad and Tobago an important partner in this endeavour,' he added. PM Modi delivered the address at the T&T parliament at the invitation of the President of the Senate, Wade Mark and the Speaker of the House Jagdeo Singh, PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the people of T&T for bestowing on him their highest national honour. He also underlined the close ties between the two democracies, aptly reflected in the Speaker's Chair gifted by India. 'When I look at the golden words inscribed on the Speaker's Chair :"FROM THE PEOPLE OF INDIA TO THE PEOPLE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO", 'I feel a deep sense of emotion. That chair is not just a piece of furniture but a powerful symbol of the friendship and trust between our two nations. The words express the bond that one democracy feels for another.' He also expressed delight at the significant presence of women parliamentarians in the House, and highlighted the historic step taken by India to reserve 33% seats for women in Parliament and State Legislatures. Recalling the ongoing celebrations of the 180 years of the arrival of Indians in Trinidad, Prime Minister noted that the ties between the two countries were based on the foundations of centuries-old bonds, and these would continue to deepen and prosper. UNI RN
