On PM Modi’s visit to Trinidad, India signs deals on health, agri

India and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to ramp up collaboration in healthcare, digital infrastructure and agriculture as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Trinidadian counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar focused on development cooperation as an important pillar in bilateral relations.

- Rezaul H Laskar

The two countries signed six agreements during Modi's visit to the Caribbean nation, the first by an Indian premier since 1999. Trinidad and Tobago was the second destination in Modi’s five-nation tour, and people of Indian-origin make up more than 40% of the country’s population of 1.36 million.

During their talks late on Friday, the two leaders called for greater cooperation on contemporary challenges such as climate change, disaster management and cyber-security. Modi appreciated Trinidad and Tobago’s strong support and solidarity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The two leaders agreed to work together for solidarity among the countries of the Global South and to strengthen India-CARICOM partnership, the external affairs ministry said.

Modi and Bissessar also decided to build an inclusive and forward-looking partnership in healthcare, ICT, trade, agriculture, legal affairs, skill development and sports, according to a joint statement.