Exterior Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated cricket provides a “particular dimension” to India’s ties with Trinidad and Tobago, as he highlighted the deep cultural and historic bonds shared by the 2 nations throughout a flag-raising ceremony in Port of Spain.

Mr. Jaishankar arrived in Port of Spain from Paramaribo on Friday (Could 8, 2026) on the concluding leg of his three-nation tour of Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, geared toward additional strengthening India’s strategic and cultural ties with the Caribbean nations.

“India has historically had very heat and pleasant relations with Trinidad and Tobago, and these ties have been underpinned by shared historical past, our battle in opposition to colonialism and by our very particular bonds of cricket,” the Minister stated in his remarks on the ceremony held on the Ministry of International and CARICOM (Caribbean Group and Frequent Market) Affairs on Friday (Could 8, 2026).

“But when there’s a particular dimension to our ties, it’s after all cricket,” he stated, including that Indians have lengthy been admirers of West Indian cricketers.

Trinidad and Tobago is among the conventional powerhouses of Caribbean cricket and residential to a number of legendary West Indies cricketers, together with Brian Lara and Ian Bishop.

Mr. Jaishankar additionally praised batting legend Lara, who attended the flag-raising ceremony.

“It’s no secret that we Indians have lengthy been huge followers of West Indian cricketers. I’m positive Mr Lara would testify to it,” he stated.

Referring to modern gamers from Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Jaishankar stated cricketers resembling Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran proceed to take pleasure in immense recognition in India.

The Minister additionally underlined the cultural similarities between the 2 nations, saying folks in India and Trinidad and Tobago share commonalities in meals, sports activities, clothes and traditions.

He famous that festivals resembling Diwali, Phagwa (Indo-Caribbean identify for Holi) and Eid are celebrated enthusiastically in Trinidad and Tobago, whereas Indian music, dance, tv serials and movies stay fashionable within the nation.

Earlier, Mr. Jaishankar met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and mentioned bilateral cooperation and regional points.

He additionally joined the Prime Minister at an occasion for the presentation of Made-in-India laptops to highschool kids of Trinidad and Tobago.

In a social media put up, Mr. Jaishankar stated the initiative fulfilled a dedication made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi final yr.

“It is a message of studying, consciousness and alternative,” he stated.

Mr. Jaishankar was welcomed on his arrival by International Minister Sean Sobers.

The Exterior Affairs Minister additionally 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 phrases.

He additionally referred to as on the President of the Senate, Wade Mark and Speaker of the Home of Representatives Jagdeo Singh.

In one other put up, Mr. Jaishankar stated agreements have been concluded on tourism, solarisation of the Ministry of International and CARICOM Affairs constructing, Fast Influence Tasks and the institution of an Ayurveda Chair.

He additionally posted images of his interplay with Lara, describing the assembly as being with the “one and solely” cricket legend.