Exterior Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar mentioned 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 (Might 8, 2026) on the concluding leg of his three-nation tour of Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed 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 mentioned in his remarks on the ceremony held on the Ministry of Overseas and CARICOM (Caribbean Group and Frequent Market) Affairs on Friday (Might 8, 2026).

“But when there’s a particular dimension to our ties, it’s after all cricket,” he mentioned, 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 mentioned.

Referring to up to date gamers from Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Jaishankar mentioned cricketers reminiscent of Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran proceed to get pleasure from immense reputation 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 reminiscent of Diwali, Phagwa (Indo-Caribbean title for Holi) and Eid are celebrated enthusiastically in Trinidad and Tobago, whereas Indian music, dance, tv serials and movies stay in style 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 youngsters of Trinidad and Tobago.

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

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

Mr. Jaishankar was welcomed on his arrival by Overseas 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 known as on the President of the Senate, Wade Mark and Speaker of the Home of Representatives Jagdeo Singh.

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

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