India–Trinidad and Tobago Relations

India–Trinidad and Tobago Relations

Relations between India and Trinidad and Tobago have gained renewed momentum with the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to the Caribbean nation in 2026. These agreements cover Ayurveda, tourism, healthcare, renewable energy, vector control, education, archival cooperation, and heritage conservation.

Historically, bilateral ties are rooted in the “Girmitiya” legacy, as Indian indentured labourers were taken to Trinidad during the colonial period in the nineteenth century. Today, nearly 40% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population is of Indian origin, making diaspora links a major pillar of India’s cultural diplomacy. Shared traditions such as Diwali celebrations, Indian music, and cuisine continue to strengthen people-to-people ties.