A new awakening has gripped the people of Trinidad and Tobago following the historic visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 3–4, 2025. Modi, seen increasingly as a global statesman, infused fresh energy into India–Trinidad and Tobago ties—an epochal moment reminiscent of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s landmark visit in October 1968, which many in the Indian diaspora believed was in spirit a continuation of her father, Pandit Nehru’s vision.

During Modi’s visit, the country witnessed an outpouring of public enthusiasm: roads adorned with buntings, flags of both nations fluttering across thoroughfares, schools and government offices closing early, and crowds lining the streets alongside moko jumbies and tight security presence. It was a celebration of historical bonds and new possibilities.

'Trinidad a vital global ally' 

Prime Minister Modi, in his addresses and bilateral meetings, announced an ambitious set of initiatives aimed at enriching both nations’ futures. He signed 15 agreements with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar covering health, education, trade, ICT, culture, and justice. The key takeaways included:

US $1 million in agro-machinery

2,000 laptops for Form One students

Training opportunities in India for women cricketers and Hindu pundits

Revival of academic chairs in Hindi, Indian Studies, and Ayurveda at the University of the West Indies

TT’s inclusion in the Global Biofuel Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

Support for a forensic science centre and legal training initiatives

Donation of 20 dialysis machines, two sea ambulances, and prosthetic limb support for 800 people

It now rests on the local administration to convert these initiatives into tangible outcomes.

Modi demonstrated statesmanship

Modi's charisma and statesmanship shone throughout his trip—whether addressing the Diaspora Assembly, receiving the nation’s highest honour at President’s House, or speaking at the joint sitting of Parliament where he fluently switched between languages. He was universally lauded—non-partisan in tone yet globally visionary. In a historic first, he became the first world leader and second non-national to receive the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, awarded for his generosity and cultural diplomacy.

“When the rhythm meets the beats of the tabla, our relationship becomes an exquisite symphony,” Modi remarked, adding, “For India, Trinidad and Tobago is not just a key partner in CARICOM, but a vital global ally.”

Importance of diaspora

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in her parliamentary address, hailed Modi as one of the world’s most respected and visionary leaders who has repositioned India as a dominant global power. Dignitaries present included former Central Bank Governor Winston Dookeran (PBS), former House Speaker Nizam Mohammed, and former President Anthony Carmona. Modi sat on the Speaker’s chair—a gift from India to mark Trinidad and Tobago’s independence.

Dookeran, in a statement during Modi’s visit, noted that the Indian leader had previously proposed Seven Pillars of Cooperation with CARICOM during a regional tour of Guyana and Suriname in November 2024. Attorney-at-law Jagdeo Singh and Senate President Wade Mark officiated at the joint sitting.

Yet, for all the ceremonial grandeur, practical implementation remains pending. Commendation is due to Indian High Commissioner Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit for his tireless efforts in making the visit a visible success. But now, it is imperative that the Trinidad and Tobago government moves swiftly to activate and implement the announced programmes.

This was no mere diplomatic courtesy call. India’s renewed outreach must be seen through the lens of historical connection and future potential. Nearly 44 percent of Trinidad and Tobago’s Indian diaspora traces its origins to the indentured labour system—deep roots that have flourished into rich cultural traditions shared in cuisine, music, festivals, and faith. Modi’s acknowledgment of Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Kangaloo as “daughters of the diaspora” was both poignant and powerful. Persad-Bissessar now sits on the political throne for a second term, and Kangaloo holds the distinction of being the nation’s first woman President.

India was among the earliest nations to establish diplomatic ties with Trinidad and Tobago post-independence. Both countries share memberships in the Commonwealth and United Nations. Modi had bypassed Trinidad and Tobago during earlier regional visits, perhaps due to cool relations with the then Rowley government. The current administration, however, has shown clear intent to reinvigorate ties, exemplified by Modi’s visit.

Reactivate relationship

From Gandhi to Tagore, Indian intellectual and spiritual figures have left a global legacy, including in the Caribbean. It is time now for Trinidad and Tobago, under Persad-Bissessar’s leadership, to activate the Seven Pillars of Cooperation, many of which currently languish in CARICOM cabinets in Georgetown, Guyana. Unlike her predecessors, Persad-Bissessar is well-positioned to translate intent into action.

Following Persad-Bissessar’s election victory on April 28, Modi was quick to offer his congratulations:

“We cherish our historically close and familial ties with Trinidad and Tobago. We look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our partnership for shared prosperity and the well-being of our peoples.”

India’s active presence in regional summits signals its commitment to South-South cooperation and a larger role in global governance, including the Commonwealth and United Nations. Modi has extended both his hand and heart to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. It now falls to all political leaders—Opposition MP Faris Al-Rawi included—to set aside partisanship and help realise the visit’s vision.

Interestingly, Al-Rawi has since claimed that the groundwork for Modi’s visit was laid by the previous PNM government, of which he was a senior member. Yet, neither parliamentary records nor media statements substantiate any proactive engagement from that administration.

The people of Trinidad and Tobago owe a deep debt of gratitude to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar—not only for inviting Modi, but also for recalibrating the country’s foreign policy outlook. The seeds of prosperity, nation-building, and shared cultural renewal have now been sown. It is up to this generation of leaders and citizens to nurture them into a flourishing future.

(The author is a Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago-based journalist. He can be contacted at paras_ramoutar@yahoo.com)