External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded his Trinidad and Tobago visit by strengthening ties with the Indo-Trinidadian community, launching a Prosthetics Centre, visiting historic cultural sites, and reaffirming India’s commitment to deeper bilateral cooperation across the Caribbean region.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday concluded his official visit to Trinidad and Tobago by engaging with members of the Indian community and reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Caribbean nation. The visit marked the final leg of his three-nation Caribbean tour following engagements in Jamaica and Suriname.
During his visit, Jaishankar highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and historical connections between India and the Indo-Trinidadian community, many of whom are descendants of Indian indentured labourers known as Girmitiyas. The minister emphasized the importance of preserving and nurturing these long-standing people-to-people ties.
In a message shared on social media platform X, Jaishankar said he concluded the visit with an interaction with the Indian community, where discussions focused on strengthening bonds with the Girmitya community and enhancing cooperation between the two countries. He also described India as a reliable and trusted partner committed to supporting the aspirations and development goals of Trinidad and Tobago.
One of the significant moments of the visit was Jaishankar’s address at the historic Nelson Island, the site where the first Indian indentured labourers arrived nearly two centuries ago. The event symbolized the enduring legacy of Indian heritage in the Caribbean region and highlighted the emotional and cultural ties shared between the people of both nations.
The minister attended the programme alongside Kamla Persad-Bissessar, underlining the close diplomatic and cultural relationship between New Delhi and Port of Spain. The visit to Nelson Island reflected India’s continued recognition of the historical journey and contributions of the Indo-Trinidadian community to the nation’s social and cultural fabric.
Jaishankar also visited the famous Dattatreya Mandir, one of the Caribbean’s most prominent Hindu temples. During the visit, he offered prayers for the well-being of people in both countries and expressed hope for stronger India-Trinidad and Tobago relations in the coming years.
While interacting with members of the Indo-Trinidadian community in South Trinidad, the External Affairs Minister described the Caribbean nation as a “home away from home.” He praised the warmth and affection shown by the community and acknowledged the strong emotional connection shared with people of Indian origin living in the region.
Another major highlight of the visit was the joint inauguration of a permanent Prosthetics Centre in Penal by Jaishankar and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The facility was established following the success of India’s Jaipur Foot initiative, which benefited more than 800 differently-abled individuals in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Calling the centre a “people-centric project,” Jaishankar said it would provide mobility, dignity, and improved healthcare support not only to Trinidad and Tobago but also to the wider Caribbean Community region. The initiative further demonstrated India’s growing developmental partnership and humanitarian outreach in the Caribbean.
The visit reinforced India’s broader diplomatic engagement with Caribbean nations while showcasing the enduring cultural, historical, and emotional bonds shared with the Indo-Trinidadian population.
