PM Modi thanks T&T for standing with India in the fight against terrorism
In his address to the Joint Assembly of the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, PM Modi referred to the July 1990 coup attempt on the T&T Parliament, also known as the Red House. At the time, the Jamaat al Muslimeen terror group, in a coup attempt, took the then Prime Minister A.N.R Robinson and most of his Cabinet hostage, which ended after six days and left seven people dead.
PM Modi, in his address, said: 'This very Red House has itself witnessed the wounds of terror and the loss of innocent blood. We must stand united to deny terrorism any shelter or space. We thank the people and the government of this country for standing with us in our fight against terrorism.'
Stating that though their two nations differ in size and geography, they are deeply aligned in their values, he said India's priority will always be the Global South.
He said India is deepening its relations with T&T, and trade will grow, and India will encourage its businesses to invest more in this country.
'Our development partnership will expand. Training, capacity building, and skill development will keep human development at its centre. Health has been and will remain a key part of our partnership.'
He said T&T's recognition of Indian medical standards will ensure access to high-quality, affordable medicines for all.
Welcoming the Caribbean nation's decision to adopt the UPI digital payment system, the PM said India is keen to collaborate on other digital innovations.
'As India develops AI tools to foster growth and development in the Global South, Trinidad and Tobago will be a priority nation for us.'
He said India will share its expertise in agriculture, horticulture and food processing. 'Machinery from India will support your agro-industry.'
India will also organise an artificial limb fitment camp for differently-abled citizens, he added.
'For us, there are no limits to our cooperation with you. We will always be guided by your needs and priorities.'
'As a key player in the Caribbean and a bridge to Latin America, Trinidad and Tobago has great potential. I am sure that our ties will help us forge a stronger connection with the wider region,' the PM added.
PM Modi said building on the momentum of the second India-CARICOM summit, India is eager to collaborate on initiatives that enhance trade and investment, build infrastructure and mobility, implement community development projects, and support capacity building, training and skill development on a large scale.
'The world is faced with challenges of climate change, food, health and energy security. Terrorism remains a pressing threat. Colonial rules of the past may have ended, but their shadows linger in new forms.'
On the UN, he said, "When the United Nations turned 75, there was great hope across the developing world. 'A hope that long-pending reforms would be realised. That their voices would finally be heard. But that hope has turned into disappointment. The voice of the developing world remains on the margins. India has always tried to bridge this gap.'
He said for India, MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, is the guiding vision for the Global South. 'Whenever we got the opportunity, we have given voice to the Global South.'
'It is time for us to work together, to give the Global South its rightful seat at the right table. To ensure climate justice, so that the burden does not fall on those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis. We consider Trinidad and Tobago an important partner in this endeavour,' he added.
PM Modi delivered the address at the T&T parliament at the invitation of the President of the Senate, Wade Mark and the Speaker of the House Jagdeo Singh,
PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the people of T&T for bestowing on him their highest national honour.
He also underlined the close ties between the two democracies, aptly reflected in the Speaker's Chair gifted by India.
'When I look at the golden words inscribed on the Speaker's Chair :"FROM THE PEOPLE OF INDIA TO THE PEOPLE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO",
'I feel a deep sense of emotion. That chair is not just a piece of furniture but a powerful symbol of the friendship and trust between our two nations. The words express the bond that one democracy feels for another.'
He also expressed delight at the significant presence of women parliamentarians in the House, and highlighted the historic step taken by India to reserve 33% seats for women in Parliament and State Legislatures.
Recalling the ongoing celebrations of the 180 years of the arrival of Indians in Trinidad, Prime Minister noted that the ties between the two countries were based on the foundations of centuries-old bonds, and these would continue to deepen and prosper.
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