India’s relationship with Trinidad and Tobago is a unique blend of deep historical ties and forward-looking strategic ambitions. While people-to-people connections remain at the core, driven by the large Indian diaspora, contemporary bilateral engagement is expanding into trade, energy security, multilateral cooperation, and cultural diplomacy.
Historical Foundations of India-Trinidad and Tobago Relations
- Indentured Labour Migration: The relationship dates back to 1845 when the first ship, Fatel Razack, brought Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad. Over 148 years of migration, nearly 150,000 Indians settled in Trinidad and Tobago, shaping its social, cultural, and political landscape.
- Cultural Influence: Today, Indo-Trinidadians form about 37% of the population, with Hindi, Bhojpuri folk traditions, Indian classical music, and festivals like Diwali and Phagwah being integral to national identity.
- Diplomatic Ties: Trinidad and Tobago established diplomatic relations with India in 1962, immediately after its independence, reflecting early mutual respect and shared Commonwealth values.
Contemporary Strategic Importance
- Gateway to CARICOM and Latin America Trinidad and Tobago, with its geostrategic location in the southern Caribbean, serves as a potential gateway for India to access the wider CARICOM market (Caribbean Community and Common Market) and Latin American economies. It offers:
- Political stability within the Caribbean.
- Proximity to major shipping lanes connecting North and South America.
- A strategic base for Indian companies exploring energy, IT, pharmaceutical, and agro-processing markets in the region.
- Energy Partnership
- Trinidad and Tobago is the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the Caribbean. Its LNG exports to the US and Europe underline its significance as an energy hub.
- Indian companies such as ONGC Videsh and GAIL have explored potential LNG and petrochemical collaborations, as India diversifies its energy sourcing to ensure supply security.
- Discussions on joint ventures in methanol, ammonia, and downstream petrochemicals remain on the bilateral agenda, aligning with India’s energy transition and fertiliser security goals.
- Diaspora Diplomacy as Strategic Leverage India’s outreach to its diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago is not merely cultural. It is a pillar of soft power diplomacy that:
- Enhances India’s global image as a pluralistic, civilisational state.
- Facilitates trade and investment flows through diaspora business networks.
- Fosters political goodwill, evident in Trinidad and Tobago supporting India on international platforms including the Commonwealth and UN initiatives.
- Multilateral Cooperation Both countries collaborate on:
- Climate action, particularly under the International Solar Alliance (ISA), where Trinidad and Tobago is exploring solar energy solutions for its energy mix diversification.
- Sustainable development goals (SDGs), with India offering capacity building under the ITEC programme for Trinidadian officials in sectors like digital governance, disaster management, and public health.
- Advocacy for Global South issues, including equitable climate finance and debt restructuring frameworks in multilateral forums.
- Trade and Economic Potential Year Bilateral Trade Value (USD Million) Key Indian Exports Key Imports from Trinidad & Tobago FY21 127 Pharmaceuticals, auto components, textiles LNG, methanol, ammonia FY22 142 Same as above Same as above FY23 155 Same as above Same as above (Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India) The bilateral trade remains modest, but significant opportunities exist in:
- IT and digital services for Trinidadian banks, government departments, and enterprises.
- Pharmaceutical exports and collaborations, leveraging India’s position as the “pharmacy of the world.”
- Agro-technology, where Indian firms can support Trinidad’s food processing and packaging industries.
- Defence and Security Cooperation Though limited currently, future prospects include:
- Maritime security cooperation, given Trinidad and Tobago’s proximity to key shipping lanes and piracy-prone zones.
- Training and capacity building for Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force personnel at Indian military institutions under ITEC Defence Fellowships.
Recent High-Level Engagements
- In 2022, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held virtual meetings with Trinidadian Foreign Minister Dr. Amery Browne, discussing cooperation in health, digital transformation, and climate resilience.
- Trinidad and Tobago’s consistent participation in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas underscores the diaspora’s importance in bilateral ties.
Cultural Diplomacy as Strategic Soft Power
India has leveraged cultural diplomacy to strengthen ties by:
- Establishing an Indian Cultural Centre in Port of Spain, promoting Hindi classes, yoga, and classical arts.
- Supporting local Ramleela, Diwali Nagar, and Chutney Soca events, reinforcing a shared civilisational bond.
- Proposing cultural exchanges and scholarships for Trinidadian youth, nurturing future goodwill ambassadors for India.
Challenges to Deeper Strategic Partnership
- Geographical Distance: Despite historical ties, logistical constraints affect direct trade flows, necessitating trans-shipment via US or Europe.
- Competition: China’s growing presence in the Caribbean through infrastructure investments under the Belt and Road Initiative poses strategic challenges for India.
- Limited Awareness: Indian private sector awareness about the Caribbean market remains low, impacting trade and investment exploration.
The Way Forward
To realise the full potential of this partnership, both nations can:
- Negotiate preferential trade frameworks within CARICOM for Indian goods and services.
- Operationalise joint ventures in energy, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing.
- Expand ITEC capacity building to newer areas like fintech, cybersecurity, and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
- Enhance direct shipping and air connectivity, potentially through third-country agreements with Gulf carriers.
- Strengthen cultural and educational exchanges to nurture a new generation of Indo-Trinidadian cooperation champions.
Conclusion
Trinidad and Tobago remains strategically significant for India as a trusted friend rooted in history and as a potential springboard to the wider Caribbean and Latin American markets. As India reimagines its Global South engagement, leveraging diaspora bonds while pursuing energy, trade, and cultural diplomacy with Trinidad and Tobago will define a balanced approach of tradition and ambition.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on official bilateral trade data, Ministry of External Affairs briefings, and statements from recent India-Caribbean strategic dialogues. Readers are advised to follow upcoming high-level visits and CARICOM economic negotiations for updated cooperation frameworks.
