Context:
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, the two nations signed at least six bilateral agreements, signaling stronger engagement in economic, developmental, and global partnership domains.
Key Highlights:
- Sectoral Cooperation:
- Financial & Pharmaceutical Ties:
The agreements will open doors for India’s financial services and pharma sectors to expand in the Caribbean region, positioning India as a key development partner.
- Financial & Pharmaceutical Ties:
- Multilateral Engagements:
- Trinidad & Tobago joins India’s global initiatives:
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
- Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)
These moves align both nations with global sustainability and climate resilience goals.
- Trinidad & Tobago joins India’s global initiatives:
- Developmental Assistance:
- Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) Grant Agreement:
- India to fund up to five short-term projects per year (max $50,000 each).
- Focused on grassroots development with fast-track execution.
- Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) Grant Agreement:
- Education & Digital Transformation:
- Gift of 2,000 laptops to school students announced by PM Modi.
- Supports T&T PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s digitisation of education vision.
- Gift of 2,000 laptops to school students announced by PM Modi.
- Agricultural Partnership:
- India delivered $1 million worth of agro-machinery to NAMDEVCO.
- Additional support pledged for:
- Millet cultivation
- Seaweed-based fertilizers
- Promotion of natural farming techniques
About Trinidad and Tobago
- Official Name: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
- Location: Southernmost island country in the Caribbean
- Geography: Comprises two main islands — Trinidad and Tobago — and several smaller islets
- Capital City: Port of Spain
- President: Christine Kangaloo
- Prime Minister: Kamla Persad-Bissessar
