PORT-OF-SPAIN – On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to sustaining trade and investment initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago during a speech before the country’s parliament.

“It’s crucial that we collaborate to ensure that the global south has a place at the decision-making table,” Modi stated. “There are no boundaries to how extensively we can cooperate with you.”

This two-day trip marked Modi’s inaugural official visit to the diverse Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago, which has deep-rooted connections with India. The visit aimed to enhance investments in sectors such as energy, healthcare, security, and more.

In his speech, Modi said that he saw “great potential” in working with Trinidad and Tobago on everything from developing new digital artificial intelligence tools to agriculture. He said that trade between the two countries was only set to grow “with human development at the center.”

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced a number of investments into medical, energy and technological infrastructure promised by Modi, and thanked the leader.

“This visit is more than just diplomacy. It marks a new dawn,” she said. “India, and Trinidad and Tobago, will now work as strategic partners.”

She said that the two countries were also working on renewing bilateral trade and investment agreements, and that Trinidad and Tobago were slated to expand exports to India.

In his speech, Modi also highlighted the long-standing connections between the two nations, which he said acted as a “powerful symbol” of fraternity and trust between the two nations.

More than 35% of the Caribbean country’s 1.4 million inhabitants are East Indian, descendants of indentured workers brought from India during the colonial era.

Modi was greeted warmly by many of the country’s Hindu population, but some in Trinidad and Tobago’s Muslim community sharply criticized the leader. About 18% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population is Hindu, while 5% is Muslim.

“Both our nations rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our own story,” Modi said. “The legacy of shared heritage and mutual respect continues to guide our partnership.”