Why in news?
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, visited Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago as part of a three‑nation Caribbean tour. He met Prime Minister Kamla Persad‑Bissessar and senior ministers to explore new avenues of cooperation. During the visit he handed over locally made laptops to schoolchildren, underscoring India’s commitment to education and digital inclusion abroad.
Background
Trinidad and Tobago is a twin‑island nation at the southern end of the Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. The larger island, Trinidad, features rolling hills and plains, while Tobago has smaller mountains and coral reefs. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498, the islands were colonised by Spain and later Britain. They gained independence in 1962 and became a republic in 1976. Today the population of around 1.4 million is ethnically diverse, with significant African and Indian communities. The capital is Port of Spain, and English is the official language.
Key aspects of bilateral ties
- Economic cooperation: Trinidad and Tobago’s economy is fuelled by petroleum and natural gas. India hopes to invest in energy projects and explore joint ventures in downstream industries.
- Cultural links: Almost 40 percent of Trinidadians are of Indian origin, descendants of indentured labourers who arrived in the nineteenth century. Indo‑Trinidadian culture retains elements of language, food and festivals like Diwali and Hosay. Bollywood films and yoga are popular.
- Education and technology: India’s gifting of laptops and scholarships supports digital literacy and higher education. Both countries are exploring partnerships in information technology and medical training.
- Multilateral cooperation: The two countries often work together at forums like the Commonwealth, United Nations and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to address climate change, disaster management and ocean governance.