The Hindu reports: 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 bonds shared by the two countries during a flag-raising ceremony in Port of Spain.Mr. Jaishankar arrived in Port of Spain from Paramaribo on Friday (May 8, 2026) on the concluding leg of his three-nation tour of Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at further strengthening India's strategic and cultural ties with the Caribbean nations.
India-Jamaica ties characterised by ‘continuity and change’: JaishankarMr. Jaishankar also praised batting legend Lara, who attended the flag-raising ceremony.“It’s no secret that we Indians have long been big fans of West Indian cricketers. I’m sure Mr Lara would testify to it,” he said.Referring to contemporary players from Trinidad and Tobago, Mr.
Background
Jaishankar said cricketers such as Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran continue to enjoy immense popularity in India.The Minister also underlined the cultural similarities between the two countries, saying people in India and Trinidad and Tobago share commonalities in food, sports, clothing and traditions. India-Suriname ties rooted in ‘family’ bond: JaishankarHe noted that festivals such as Diwali, Phagwa (Indo-Caribbean name for Holi) and Eid are celebrated enthusiastically in Trinidad and Tobago, while Indian music, dance, television serials and films remain popular in the country.Earlier, Mr.
Key facts
- India-Jamaica ties characterised by ‘continuity and change’: JaishankarMr.
- Jaishankar also praised batting legend Lara, who attended the flag-raising ceremony.“It’s no secret that we Indians have long been big fans of West Indian cricketers.
- I’m sure Mr Lara would testify to it,” he said.Referring to contemporary players from Trinidad and Tobago, Mr.
What this means
Jaishankar met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and discussed bilateral cooperation and regional issues.He also joined the Prime Minister at an event for the presentation of Made-in-India laptops to school children of Trinidad and Tobago.In a social media post, Mr. Jaishankar said the initiative fulfilled a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year."This is a message of learning, awareness and opportunity," he said.Mr. Jaishankar was welcomed on his arrival by Foreign Minister Sean Sobers.The External Affairs Minister 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 her gracious words.He also called on the President of the Senate, Wade Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives Jagdeo Singh.In another post, Mr. Jaishankar said agreements were concluded on tourism, solarisation of the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs building, Quick Impact Projects and the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair.He also posted photographs of his interaction with Lara, describing the meeting as being with the “one and only” cricket legend.
Originally reported by The Hindu. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
