In this May 9, 2026 file photo, Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar talks to Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers during the final leg of his three-nation Caribbean tour after visiting Jamaica and Suriname in Port of Spain, Spain. | Photo credit: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said cricket gives a “special dimension” to India’s ties with Trinidad and Tobago as he highlighted the deep cultural and historical bond the two countries share during a flag-raising ceremony in Port of Spain.
Mr Jaishankar arrived in Port of Spain from Paramaribo on Friday (8 May 2026) for the final leg of his three-nation tour of Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at further strengthening India’s strategic and cultural ties with the Caribbean nations.
“India has traditionally enjoyed very warm and friendly relations with Trinidad and Tobago and these ties are underpinned by shared history, our struggle against colonialism and our very special cricketing ties,” the minister said in his remarks at a ceremony held at the Department of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market Affairs) on Friday (8 May 206).
“But if there is a special dimension to our ties, it is of course cricket,” he said, adding that Indians have long been admirers of West Indian cricketers.
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the traditional powerhouses of Caribbean cricket and home to several legendary West Indies cricketers, including Brian Lara and Ian Bishop.
Mr. Jaishankar also felicitated batting legend Lara who attended the flag hoisting ceremony.
“It’s no secret that we Indians have long been big fans of West Indian cricketers. I’m sure Mr. Lara would attest to that,” he said.
Referring to the current players from Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Jaishankar said cricketers like Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran continue to enjoy immense popularity in India.
The Minister also highlighted the cultural similarities between the two countries, saying that the people of India and Trinidad and Tobago have commonalities in food, sports, clothing and traditions.
He noted that festivals such as Diwali, Phagwa (the Indo-Caribbean name for Holi) and Eid are enthusiastically celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago, while Indian music, dance, television series and films remain popular in the country.
Earlier, Mr. Jaishankar met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and they discussed bilateral cooperation and regional issues.
He also joined the Prime Minister at an event to present Made-in-India laptops to school children in Trinidad and Tobago.
In a post on social media, Mr. Jaishankar said the initiative fulfilled a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
“It’s a message of learning, awareness and opportunity,” he said.
Mr Jaishankar was welcomed by Foreign Secretary Sean Sobers on his arrival.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also visited the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. He described it as a privilege to be welcomed to Parliament and thanked Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar for her kind words.
He also challenged Senate President Wade Mark and House Speaker Jagde Singh.
In another post, Mr. Jaishankar said that agreements were made on tourism, solarization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building and CARICOM, quick impact projects and establishment of an Ayurvedic chair.
He also posted photos of his interaction with Lara and described the meeting as the “one and only” cricket legend.
Published – 09 May 2026 10:24 IST
