What Did India's External Affairs Minister Discover in Trinidad and Tobago?

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently concluded his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, where he engaged with the Indian community and emphasized India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. His interactions highlighted the historical connections with the Indo-Trinidadian population, including a visit to the Dattatreya Mandir and the launch of a Prosthetics Centre. This visit marks the final leg of his Caribbean tour, following stops in Jamaica and Suriname, showcasing India's dedication to fostering relationships in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 11:43 IST

Strengthening Ties with the Indo-Trinidadian Community

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar wrapped up his visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, engaging with the Indian diaspora and emphasizing the strong historical and cultural connections with the Indo-Trinidadian community. He reiterated India's dedication to enhancing bilateral relations.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Jaishankar expressed, "I concluded my visit with an interaction with the Indian community. I emphasized the unique ties with the Girmitya community and discussed ways to nurture these bonds further. I highlighted India's role as a dependable partner, attuned to the needs and aspirations of Trinidad and Tobago."

During his trip, Jaishankar spoke at the historic Nelson Island, where the first Indian indentured laborers, known as Girmitiyas, arrived in the Caribbean nearly 200 years ago.

He was joined by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister, to celebrate the shared heritage and lasting people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Jaishankar also visited the Dattatreya Mandir, a significant Hindu temple in the Caribbean. He shared on X, "I felt blessed to visit the Dattatreya Mandir in Trinidad and Tobago this evening. I prayed for the well-being of our people and the ongoing strengthening of India-Trinidad and Tobago relations."

Earlier in his visit, the minister referred to Trinidad and Tobago as a "home away from home" while engaging with the Indo-Trinidadian community in South Trinidad.

He remarked, "It was a true pleasure to be among the Indo-Trinbagonian community in South Trinidad. The kinship was evident in many ways, and the affection was even more palpable. I thank PM Kamla for this experience."

In a significant development during his visit, Jaishankar and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar inaugurated a permanent Prosthetics Centre in Penal, Trinidad and Tobago, following the success of India's Jaipur Foot camp, which aided over 800 differently-abled individuals.

Describing it as a "people-centric project," Jaishankar stated that the centre would provide "a gift of mobility and dignity for Trinidad and Tobago and the broader CARICOM region."

Jaishankar's arrival in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday marked the conclusion of his three-nation tour of the Caribbean, which included stops in Jamaica and Suriname.