Jaishankar, Trinidad PM Persad-Bissessar meet at UN to boost India–T&T ties
Synopsis
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, EAM Jaishankar and Trinidad PM Persad-Bissessar reviewed a growing bilateral agenda — from Exim Bank financing and solar energy to laptops and artificial limbs — rooted in PM Modi's landmark visit that marked 180 years of Indian presence in the Caribbean. With 42 per cent of Trinidad's population of Indian descent, this partnership is as much about diaspora diplomacy as it is about development finance.
Key Takeaways
EAM S Jaishankar met Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the United Nations on 23 September .
Both sides reaffirmed focus on economic cooperation, increased trade, and Exim Bank financing for development projects.
The meeting reviewed progress on commitments from PM Narendra Modi's visit to Trinidad, including 2,000 laptops , academic chairs, and artificial limbs for 800 people .
India signed a QIP memorandum committing $50,000 annually for five projects per year in Trinidad.
In May 2026 , India and Trinidad signed eight MoUs covering tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, Ayurveda, and solar energy.
About 575,000 people of Indian descent — roughly 42 per cent of Trinidad's population — underpin the historic bilateral relationship.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the sidelines of the United Nations on 23 September, with both sides reaffirming a commitment to deepen bilateral relations through expanded economic cooperation, greater trade, and development financing.
What Was Discussed
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar confirmed the meeting on X, stating the two leaders 'discussed strengthening T&T–India relations through greater economic cooperation, increased trade and Exim Bank financing for development projects.' She added, 'Our longstanding friendship continues to grow.'
EAM Jaishankar, who described himself as 'privileged' to meet her, noted on X that the two sides 'noted the progress on delivery of commitments made during PM Modi's visit.'
Commitments From PM Modi's Earlier Visit
The commitments referenced trace back to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago last July, during which India announced a package of deliverables. These included 2,000 laptops for Trinidad's flagship educational programmes, revival of academic chairs in Hindi and Indian studies at the University of the West Indies, and artificial limbs for 800 people. India also signed a memorandum of agreement on Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), under which New Delhi is committed to provide $50,000 for five projects each year. An additional agreement covered the installation of a solar photovoltaic system at Trinidad's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to generate electricity.
Modi's visit coincided with Trinidad and Tobago's observance of the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants to the island nation in 1845 — a milestone that underscores the deep historical and demographic ties between the two countries. Approximately 575,000 people of Indian descent live in Trinidad, comprising about 42 per cent of the Caribbean nation's population.
May 2026 Agreements: Eight MoUs Signed
The September meeting builds on momentum from EAM Jaishankar's two-day visit to Port of Spain in May, during which India and Trinidad and Tobago signed eight agreements spanning tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, and Ayurveda. Notably, the two governments formalised MoUs for the solarisation of Trinidad's Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs building, vector control, an infrastructure upgrade of Nelson Island — where Indian immigrants first arrived — and the establishment of an Indian Chair on Ayurveda at the University of the West Indies.
The Bigger Picture
This is not a standalone bilateral effort but part of India's wider diplomatic outreach in the Caribbean and CARICOM region, where the Indian diaspora provides a durable soft-power bridge. The emphasis on Exim Bank financing, solar energy, and health projects reflects a development-partnership model India has been rolling out across the Global South. With both leaders engaging on the margins of the UN General Assembly, the meeting signals that the bilateral agenda forged during Modi's visit is being actively tracked at the highest levels.
Point of View
Pegged to the 180th anniversary of Indian indenture, but the real test is delivery on the commitments made. The reference to 'progress on deliverables' is a diplomatic signal, not a scorecard. India's Exim Bank model in the CARICOM region faces competition from China's infrastructure financing, and a strong follow-through on solar, health, and education pledges would be the clearest counter-narrative. The diaspora dividend is India's structural advantage here — no other external partner can claim 42 per cent of the population as a cultural constituency.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did EAM Jaishankar and Trinidad PM Persad-Bissessar discuss at the UN?
The two leaders met on 23 September on the sidelines of the United Nations and discussed strengthening India–Trinidad and Tobago relations through greater economic cooperation, increased trade, and Exim Bank financing for development projects. Both sides also reviewed progress on commitments made during PM Modi's visit to Trinidad last year.
What did PM Modi promise during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago?
During his visit last July, PM Modi announced 2,000 laptops for Trinidad's educational programmes, the revival of Hindi and Indian studies chairs at the University of the West Indies, and artificial limbs for 800 people. India also agreed to provide $50,000 annually for five Quick Impact Projects each year and install a solar photovoltaic system at Trinidad's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How significant is the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago has approximately 575,000 people of Indian descent, making up about 42 per cent of the Caribbean nation's total population. PM Modi's visit last year coincided with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants to the island in 1845.
What agreements did India and Trinidad sign in May 2026?
In May 2026, during EAM Jaishankar's two-day visit to Port of Spain, India and Trinidad and Tobago signed eight MoUs covering tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, and Ayurveda. Key agreements included solarisation of Trinidad's Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs building, vector control, an infrastructure upgrade of Nelson Island, and an Indian Chair on Ayurveda at the University of the West Indies.
Why does the India–Trinidad relationship matter for India's broader foreign policy?
Trinidad and Tobago is a gateway to the CARICOM region, and the large Indian-origin population provides India with a unique soft-power advantage. The bilateral agenda — centred on development finance, renewable energy, and education — mirrors India's broader Global South engagement model and offers a counterpoint to Chinese infrastructure financing in the Caribbean.
