External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, expressing his pleasure at being back in the Caribbean nation for the final leg of his three-nation tour.
Warm Welcome in Port of Spain
Upon landing at the Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, Jaishankar was warmly received by Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr. Amery Browne, and other senior officials. The Indian diaspora also turned out in large numbers to greet the visiting dignitary.
Jaishankar, who is on a three-nation tour covering Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic, said, "It is a pleasure to be back in Trinidad and Tobago. Looking forward to productive engagements that will further strengthen our bilateral ties."
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During his stay, Jaishankar is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with his counterpart, Dr. Amery Browne, and call on Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, technology, and culture.
India and Trinidad and Tobago share a long history of friendly relations, underpinned by a vibrant Indian diaspora that constitutes about 40% of the country's population. The visit aims to give a new impetus to the partnership, particularly in the context of India's Act East policy and its outreach to the Caribbean region.
Previous Legs of the Tour
Earlier, Jaishankar visited Guyana, where he co-chaired the 2nd India-CARICOM Ministerial Meeting and held bilateral talks with Guyanese leaders. The visit resulted in several agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in healthcare, renewable energy, and capacity building.
From Trinidad and Tobago, Jaishankar will proceed to the Dominican Republic, the final destination of his tour. The visit underscores India's commitment to deepening its engagement with the Caribbean and Latin American countries.
The External Affairs Minister's tour is seen as a significant step in India's efforts to enhance its diplomatic footprint in the region and foster stronger economic and cultural ties.
