During his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a series of significant initiatives aimed at deepening India’s partnership with the Caribbean nation. These include the gifting of 2000 laptops to school students and the extension of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card facility to the 6th generation of Indian diaspora members.
At a press briefing, MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra shared the details of the announcements, emphasizing the enthusiastic response of the Indian-origin community in Trinidad and Tobago, which comprises approximately 40–45% of the country’s population.
Key highlights of PM Modi’s announcements include:
- Education:
- Donation of 2000 laptops to enhance digital learning for school students.
- Diaspora Engagement:
- Extension of OCI card eligibility from the 4th to the 6th generation, allowing deeper cultural and civic ties with India.
- Healthcare Initiatives:
- A 50-day Artificial Limb Fitment Camp to benefit 800 individuals.
- Donation of 20 Hemodialysis units and 2 sea ambulances to improve healthcare infrastructure.
- Commitment to provide specialised medical treatment for 10 Trinidad & Tobago dignitaries annually in Indian hospitals, with support of Rs 1 crore per year.
- Energy and Environment:
- Solarisation of Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs via rooftop photovoltaic panels.
- Cultural Cooperation:
- Celebration of Geeta Mahotsav at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation in sync with Indian festivities.
- Training of 10 pundits from Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region in India, as requested by the T&T government.
Additionally, six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during delegation-level talks between PM Modi and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. These agreements cover a wide range of sectors:
- Indian Pharmacopoeia: To facilitate access to Indian pharmaceuticals.
- Quick Impact Projects (QIP): Funded by an Indian grant for development cooperation.
- Sports and Diplomatic Training: To enhance people-to-people and institutional ties.
- ICCR Chairs of Hindi and Indian Studies: Re-establishment at the University of the West Indies.
- Cultural Exchange Program: Covering the years 2025–2028.
After concluding his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi departed for Argentina, continuing the third leg of his five-nation tour which also includes Ghana, Brazil, and Namibia.