Cricket gives special dimension to India-Trinidad and Tobago ties: Jaishankar

Highlighting the deep cultural and historical ties shared by the two countries at the flag-raising ceremony held in Port of Spain, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said cricket adds a “special dimension” to India’s ties with Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr. Jaishankar arrived in Port of Spain from Paramaribo on Friday, May 8, 2026, for the final leg of his tri-nation tour of Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at further strengthening India’s strategic and cultural ties with Caribbean countries.

“India has traditionally had very warm and friendly relations with Trinidad and Tobago, and these ties are underpinned by our shared history, our fight against colonialism and our very special cricketing ties,” the Minister said at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market) Affairs on Friday, May 8, 2026. he said.

“But if there is a special dimension to our ties, it is of course cricket,” he said, adding that Indians have long admired West Indian cricketers.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the traditional powerhouses of Caribbean cricket and home to many legendary West Indies cricketers, including Brian Lara and Ian Bishop.

Mr. Jaishankar also praised batting legend Lara, who attended the flag hoisting ceremony.

“It is no secret that we Indians have been huge fans of West Indian cricketers for a long time. I am sure Mr. Lara will also testify to this,” he said.

Referring to contemporary 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 people in India and Trinidad and Tobago have common ground in terms of food, sports, clothing and traditions.

He noted that festivals such as Diwali, Phagwa (the Indo-Caribbean name for Holi) and Eid al-Adha are celebrated with enthusiasm in Trinidad and Tobago, and that Indian music, dance, television series and films remain popular in the country.

Mr. Jaishankar earlier met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and discussed bilateral cooperation and regional issues.

He also joined the Prime Minister at an event to promote India-made laptops to school children in Trinidad and Tobago.

The initiative fulfills a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, Mr. Jaishankar said in a social media post.

“This is a message of learning, awareness and opportunity,” he said.

Mr. Jaishankar was welcomed by Secretary of State 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 in Parliament and thanked Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar for his kind words.

He also visited Senate President Wade Mark and House of Representatives Speaker Jagdeo Singh.

In another post, Mr. Jaishankar said agreements were signed on tourism, solarization of Ministry of External Affairs and CARICOM Affairs building, Rapid Impact Projects and establishment of Ayurveda Chair.

He also posted photos of his interaction with Lara, stating that the meeting was with the “only” cricket legend.