Prime Minister Modi Arrives in Trinidad. Welcomed by Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Received Guard of Honour. Key discussions on cooperation in digital finance, health, and IT.
PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Trinidad and Tobago for a two-day visit, marking the second leg of his five-nation tour. This visit is taking place at the official invitation of Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. At Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, Kamla Persad, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament, warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi. He was subsequently accorded a Guard of Honour. This visit is poised to add a new chapter to the relations between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
First Bilateral Visit
This is Prime Minister Modi's first visit to Trinidad and the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999. The visit will take place from July 3rd to 4th and is considered very important for mutual cooperation between the two countries. PM Modi will meet with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and hold bilateral discussions on cooperation in various fields.
Indian High Commission Expresses Warmth
The Indian High Commission in Port of Spain shared information about PM Modi's arrival on X (formerly Twitter), warmly welcoming him with the message, "Welcome to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi." This post also conveyed that there is great enthusiasm for this visit among both the local government and the Indian community.
180 Years of Cultural Connection
Approximately half of the total population of Trinidad and Tobago is of Indian origin. Their roots go back about 180 years. These people of Indian origin have settled here for five to six generations. This community still cherishes Indian culture, traditions, and values. The Prime Minister's visit will further strengthen these historical and emotional ties.
Statement by High Commissioner Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit
India's High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, stated that both the local government and the public are keen for deep and long-term cooperation with India. He said that the people here closely follow India's development and its achievements and are excited to maintain deep relations with India.
Discussions on Shared Interests
The key areas of bilateral cooperation during Prime Minister Modi's visit include agriculture, information technology, health, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. It is expected that by establishing b cooperation in these areas, concrete agreements will be made for the future.
Partnership in Digital Finance
The High Commissioner also mentioned that Trinidad and Tobago is the first country in the CARICOM region to adopt India's UPI (Unified Payments Interface) system. The implementation process is underway, and this is considered a major achievement in enhancing bilateral relations in the field of digital finance.
Ministers of Indian Origin in the New Government
Several ministers in the new government of Trinidad and Tobago are of Indian origin. This indicates that Indian culture and ideology are deeply ingrained in the country's policies. These ministers are committed to supporting India's development journey and acting as a bridge between the two countries.
A New Dimension to India-Trinidad Relations
Prime Minister Modi's visit is not just a formality; it is a planned effort to take India-Trinidad relations to new heights. Cooperation in strategic areas such as agriculture, health, IT, pharmaceuticals, and energy will not only increase trade and investment between the two countries but will also strengthen cultural and technological exchange.
