What happened?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago this week underlined growing trade, development, and cultural relations between the two countries. Bilateral trade grew from $264 million in 2020–21 to $341 million in 2024–25. In a first for the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago adopted India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in 2024. India has also extended COVID-19 aid, deployed telemedicine projects, and provided agro-processing equipment and food supplies to the Caribbean partner.
Why it matters to India
Trinidad and Tobago offers India a strategic economic gateway to the wider Caribbean region. The adoption of UPI marks a key milestone in India’s digital diplomacy. Strengthening cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, and education supports India’s South-South cooperation agenda. Cultural ties, bolstered by the Indian diaspora and Hindi education, enhance soft power. The visit signals India’s long-term intent to deepen influence in the Caribbean through economic engagement and development partnerships.