What Agreements Did PM Modi Sign with Trinidad and Tobago's Bissessar?
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago culminated in historic agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. The collaboration focuses on key sectors such as disaster management, climate change, and healthcare, marking a significant milestone in India-Caribbean ties. Discover how these agreements promise to shape the future of this important partnership.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened bilateral relations between India and Trinidad & Tobago.
- Collaboration on disaster management and climate change initiatives.
- Six MOUs signed for various sectors including culture and healthcare.
- Expanded OCI card eligibility to the sixth generation of Indian origin individuals.
- Symbol of sustainability: Neem sapling planted during the visit.
Port of Spain, July 5 (NationPress) - On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant meeting with his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, at the historic Red House in Port of Spain. During this meeting, they formalized agreements aimed at enhancing the amicable relationship between India and the Caribbean island nation, with a focus on strengthening economic collaboration and addressing critical sectors such as disaster management, climate change, defence, technology, healthcare, and agricultural research.
PM Modi extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Bissessar on her recent electoral victory, marking her second term in office, as stated in a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
He expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received, stating, "Thank you, Trinidad & Tobago. The memories created here will remain etched in my heart. We've invigorated the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago. I am thankful to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and the people of this remarkable nation," he shared in a post on X.
During their discussions, PM Modi highlighted the importance of advancing the economic partnership and focusing on various sectors, including disaster management, climate change, and defence. The talks also encompassed a wide array of potential collaborations such as agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, UPI, capacity building, culture, sports, and enhancing people-to-people connections, according to the MEA statement.
Exploring new avenues for cooperation with a key CARICOM partner, PM Modi and PM Bissessar delved into collaborative efforts across sectors including disaster management, climate change, and healthcare. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to combatting terrorism in all its forms. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized PM Modi's dedication to strengthening India-CARICOM ties and amplifying the voice of the Global South.
In a symbol of their commitment to sustainability, both leaders planted a Neem sapling at the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament, under India’s #EkPedMaaKeNaam initiative, as noted by MEA spokesperson Jaiswal.
Development cooperation remains a cornerstone of the India-Trinidad & Tobago partnership, as reiterated in the MEA's statement.
PM Bissessar remarked that PM Modi's significant visit would rejuvenate the long-standing bilateral ties between both nations.
The leaders exchanged thoughts on pressing regional and global issues, advocating for enhanced collaboration to tackle contemporary challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and cybersecurity.
PM Modi expressed gratitude for Trinidad and Tobago's unwavering support for the Indian people following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Both leaders recommitted to fighting terrorism and enhancing solidarity among Global South nations, as per the MEA statement.
Following their discussions, six MOUs were signed covering areas such as pharmacopoeia, Quick Impact Projects, culture, sports, diplomatic training, and the establishment of ICCR chairs for Hindi and Indian studies at the University of West Indies.
Additional announcements included offering the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card to the sixth generation of people of Indian descent in Trinidad and Tobago, expanding from the previous limit of the fourth generation.
Other notable announcements from PM Modi comprised the gifting of 2,000 laptops to school students, the provision of nearly $1 million worth of agro-processing machinery to NAMDEVCO, hosting a 50-day artificial limb fitment camp for 800 individuals, specialized medical treatment under the 'Heal in India' program, the donation of 20 Hemodialysis units and two sea ambulances to enhance healthcare, solarizing the headquarters of Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and training of Pandits from Trinidad and Tobago in India.
Trinidad and Tobago's participation in India's global initiatives, such as the Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), was also confirmed.
PM Modi invited PM Bissessar to visit India, which she graciously accepted.
This landmark visit by Prime Minister Modi has significantly strengthened the special relationship between the two countries.
Point of View
It is evident that Prime Minister Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago signifies a pivotal moment in international relations. The agreements signed during this visit not only reflect India's dedication to strengthening ties with the Caribbean but also underline the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges. The focus on sectors like healthcare, climate change, and disaster management showcases a commitment to mutual growth and solidarity, reinforcing India's status as a proactive partner on the global stage.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago?
The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and sign agreements focused on enhancing cooperation in sectors like disaster management, climate change, and healthcare.
What agreements were signed during the meeting?
Six MOUs were signed covering areas such as pharmacopoeia, Quick Impact Projects, culture, sports, and diplomatic training, among others.
What initiatives were announced during the visit?
Key initiatives included providing 2,000 laptops to students, establishing a limb fitment camp, and extending OCI card eligibility to the sixth generation of Indian origin individuals.
How does this visit impact India-Caribbean relations?
This visit strengthens India-Caribbean relations by fostering economic cooperation and enhancing collaboration on global issues like climate change and security.
What is the significance of the Neem sapling planting?
The planting of the Neem sapling symbolizes the commitment to sustainability and the strengthening of India-Trinidad and Tobago ties under the #EkPedMaaKeNaam initiative.
