EAM Jaishankar concludes Trinidad and Tobago visit with diaspora outreach
Port of Spain, May 10
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday concluded his visit to Trinidad and Tobago with an interaction with the Indian community, highlighting the enduring cultural and historical bonds shared between the two countries.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said he had "concluded" his "visit with an interaction with the Indian community," where he underlined "the special bonds with the Girmitya community and discussed nurturing it further."
The minsiter also emphasised India's commitment to its Caribbean partner, stating that he "spoke about India as a reliable and trusted partner, responsive to the needs and aspirations of Trinidad and Tobago".
Jaishankar jointly handed over an agro-processing facility and inaugurated a permanent Prosthetics Centre in Trinidad and Tobago during his official visit to the Caribbean twin-island nation.
In a post on X, EAM stated that the agro-processing facility in South Trinidad was handed over alongside Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar and is powered by India's SEEDS initiative.
In a separate development, Jaishankar launched a permanent Prosthetics Centre in Penal, Trinidad and Tobago, also alongside PM Persad-Bissessar.
EAM, in a separate post, stated that the centre, modelled on India's successful Jaipur Foot initiative, will serve the disabled population in Trinidad and Tobago as well as the wider CARICOM region.
These projects reflect India's ongoing commitment to people-focused development initiatives in the Caribbean and reinforce cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, and skill development.
On Wednesday (local time), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid tribute at the 'Monument for the Fallen Heroes' in Mariënburg, Suriname, honouring the memory of those who lost their lives in the 1902 uprising and highlighting their role in the broader struggle against colonialism.
There, he also reflected on the contribution of the Girmitya community, noting their resilience and pursuit of dignity abroad despite hardship. "These Girmityas fought for dignity and freedom abroad, even as countless others did in Bharat," he said.
Jaishankar was on a three-nation tour to the Caribbean from May 2 to May 10.
Jaishankar concluded his high-level visits to Jamaica and Suriname between May 2 and 7, marking a significant push in India's engagement with these countries.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Jaipur Foot prosthetic centre in Trinidad is a game-changer! So many people in the Caribbean need affordable prosthetics, and India's technology is world-class. Hope this partnership grows further—especially in agriculture and education 🎉
Nice to see India engaging with the Caribbean, but I hope these visits translate into real trade benefits for small Indian farmers and businesses too. The diaspora outreach is good, but we need more economic substance—not just photo ops. Still, better than nothing.
The mention of the Girmitya community in Suriname was touching. Our history is so rich—they fought for dignity even then. And now India is a trusted partner for CARICOM. This is what soft power looks like. Kudos to the MEA team for consistent outreach 👏
Kamla Persad-Bissessar as PM of Trinidad is such a proud moment for the Indian diaspora! She's a true leader. The agro-processing facility under SEEDS initiative is a smart move—focus on food security and local jobs. More of this, please.
As an American watching this, I'm impressed by India's commitment to the Caribbean. The Jaipur Foot initiative is a perfect example of tech transfer for social good. Wish more countries took this approach. 🇮🇳🇹🇹
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