7th July 2025 (11 Topics)
India–Trinidad and Tobago
Context:
During PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago, both nations signed six bilateral agreements to enhance cooperation in pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, and digital education. Trinidad and Tobago also joined India-led global initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
Trinidad and Tobago
Bilateral Agreements:
- At least six MoUs were signed to promote cooperation in the financial and pharmaceutical sectors, thereby positioning India as a prominent player in the Caribbean market.
- Notably, an MoU was signed for Indian Grant Assistance for Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), capped at $50,000 per project, with a maximum of five projects per financial year.
Multilateral Engagements:
- Trinidad and Tobago joined two key India-led global initiatives:
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – a UN-recognised coalition aimed at promoting disaster-resilient infrastructure globally.
- Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) – a multilateral platform to promote sustainable biofuels and foster technology sharing and policy coordination.
Developmental Support Initiatives by India:
- India will gift 2,000 laptops to school students in Trinidad and Tobago to support digital education.
- A grant of $1 million worth of agro-machinery was extended to the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO).
- India committed technical assistance in millet cultivation, seaweed-based fertilizers, and natural farming practices.
Soft Power and Strategic Footprint:
- The gesture of gifting laptops and promoting education supports India’s digital diplomacy and capacity-building efforts in the Global South.
- Through these engagements, India is strengthening its Act East & Caribbean Outreach strategy and expanding influence via development diplomacy and South-South cooperation.
Geostrategic Significance:
- These developments align with India’s effort to secure allies among Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are crucial stakeholders in global climate and disaster-resilience negotiations.
- This also reflects India’s increasing role as a development partner offering non-reciprocal, demand-driven assistance.
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Trinidad and Tobago
Geographical Features: · Island Geography: o Consists of two main islands: Trinidad (larger and more populous) and Tobago. o Located near the Orinoco Delta and continental shelf of South America—making it geologically distinct from many other Caribbean islands. · Mountain Ranges: o The Northern Range in Trinidad is a geologic extension of the coastal ranges of the Andes Mountains in Venezuela. o These ranges provide rich biodiversity and affect regional microclimates. · Highest Point: o Mount Aripo (940 meters) – located in the Northern Range, this is the highest elevation in the country. · Major Rivers: o Caroni River: Vital for agriculture and freshwater needs; it flows westward into the Gulf of Paria. o Ortoire River: Flows east into the Atlantic; significant for the southeastern drainage system. · Pitch Lake (in La Brea, Trinidad): o World’s largest natural deposit of asphalt. o Estimated to hold 10 million tons of asphalt, used for road surfacing globally. o It is both a geological wonder and an economic asset, attracting scientific and tourism interest. |
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