External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today stated that the India-Trinidad and Tobago relationship reflects a unique convergence of history, human connection, and shared aspirations. He stressed that in this increasingly turbulent and unpredictable world, these ties must use their deep complementarities to evolve into a pillar of strength and stability for both countries.

In an Op-Ed in the Trinidad and Tobago Daily Express newspaper, the External Affairs Minister noted that both India and Trinidad and Tobago share a history shaped by colonialism and a subsequent journey defined by the assertion of sovereignty and democratic choice.

 

He said that as vibrant democracies and market economies today, both societies continue to draw strength from diversity and pluralism. He added that this shared historical experience and democratic ethos provide a durable foundation for this contemporary partnership.

 

Dr Jaishankar said bilateral trade has witnessed a significant uptick, almost doubling in the last five years to now reach a level of 350 million dollars. He pointed out that energy has emerged as a central pillar of this engagement in a turbulent world with volatile commodity markets.

 

He noted that trade in sectors such as health and pharmaceuticals, automobiles and machinery, iron and steel, textiles and garments has been steadily increasing. The Minister said Trinidad and Tobago is also the first country in the Caribbean region to agree to roll out India’s United Payment Interface platform for seamless payments.