Trinidad and Tobago reaffirmed its deep-rooted friendship with India as Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, addressed a distinguished gathering at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine on Monday 3rd February, 2025.
Speaking at the panel discussion “Growing India-Trinidad and Tobago Relations for a Robust India-CARICOM Partnership”, Dr. Browne emphasized the historical and economic bonds that unite the two nations and underscored the significance of this relationship for creating opportunities for greater collaboration between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and India. With 2025 marking the 180th anniversary of Indian indentured labourers’ arrival in Trinidad and Tobago, Minister Browne highlighted how this shared heritage has fostered a thriving bilateral relationship, extending beyond culture into trade, digital transformation, agriculture and human resource development.
“Trinidad and Tobago and India’s relationship is built on a foundation of history, culture and mutual respect,” Dr. Browne stated. “From our economic exchanges to people-to-people ties, this partnership continues to flourish, benefitting not just our two nations but the wider CARICOM region.”
Key areas of cooperation mentioned by Minister Browne included:
Trade and Investment Growth: A 2024 Investment Mission from India signalled interest in Trinidad and Tobago’s expanding business opportunities, following Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s visit to Mumbai.
Technology and Digital Transformation: Recent agreements with India are set to enhance Trinidad and Tobago’s Information Communication Technology capabilities and drive regional progress.
Food Security and Health: Given India’s expertise in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, CARICOM nations are keen to collaborate on sustainable solutions.
Cricket Diplomacy: The strengthening of cricket ties through collaborations with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and proposed training academies reflects the sport’s cultural and economic significance to both regions.
Dr. Browne also lauded India’s steadfast commitment to South-South cooperation, citing its crucial donation of COVID-19 vaccines to CARICOM and its ongoing support in education and capacity-building initiatives, including an increase in training placements for Caribbean professionals.
Looking ahead, the Minister expressed optimism about deepening engagements with India, particularly in multilateral forums on global issues such as climate change, United Nations reform and sustainable development.
