External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar wrapped up his trip to Trinidad and Tobago by engaging with the Indian community, highlighting the deep historical and cultural connections with the Indo-Trinidadian population. He reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, emphasizing the special bonds with the Girmitya community. Jaishankar expressed India’s role as a reliable partner responsive to Trinidad and Tobago’s needs.
During his visit, Jaishankar visited Nelson Island, where the first Indian indentured laborers, known as Girmitiyas, arrived in the Caribbean almost two centuries ago. He shared this moment with Kamla Persad-Bissessar, emphasizing the shared heritage and enduring people-to-people ties between the two nations. Additionally, he visited the renowned Dattatreya Mandir, a prominent Hindu temple in the Caribbean, praying for the well-being of the people and the continued strengthening of India-Trinidad and Tobago relations.
Describing Trinidad and Tobago as a “home away from home,” Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indo-Trinidadian community in South Trinidad, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and kinship shown. He also participated in the launch of a permanent Prosthetics Centre in Penal, Trinidad and Tobago, alongside Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. This initiative follows the success of India’s Jaipur Foot camp, benefiting over 800 differently-abled individuals and was hailed as a “people-centric project” by Jaishankar, offering mobility and dignity to the region.
Concluding his three-nation official Caribbean tour, Jaishankar’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago marked the final leg after trips to Jamaica and Suriname.
