India's Development Responsibility Lies with the Global South

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared at a joint session of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament that "our priority will always be the Global South." Speaking at the Red House in the capital Port of Spain on the 4th (local time), PM Modi defined India's economic growth not merely as national development, but as a responsibility toward all developing nations.

PM Modi emphasized that "India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world" and "we view our development as a responsibility to other nations." He specifically announced plans to develop tools to help the Global South grow in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and designated Trinidad and Tobago as a 'priority partner country.'

Specific Cooperation Plans from Agriculture to Healthcare

PM Modi outlined concrete areas of bilateral cooperation. He pledged to share expertise in agriculture, horticulture, and food processing, and support Trinidad and Tobago's agricultural industry through Indian machinery.

Notably, he promised healthcare support. PM Modi stated that "development is about dignity" and announced plans to organize prosthetic limb fitting camps locally to support people with disabilities. He added that "our cooperation has no limits."

Building on the outcomes of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, he expressed commitment to expand trade and investment, improve infrastructure, and community development projects, as well as collaborate on large-scale capacity building and technical skills training.

International Order Reform and the Voice of the Global South

PM Modi pointed out the limitations of the current international order. He stated that "old institutions are struggling to deliver peace and progress" and that "the Global South wants a new, more just world order."

Particularly on the 75th anniversary of the UN's founding, he noted that reforms expected by developing countries had not materialized, commenting that "that hope has turned into disappointment." This suggests that expanding the voice of developing countries within international institutions remains an ongoing challenge.

Praise for Women's Parliamentary Representation... Emphasizes India's Cultural Traditions

PM Modi took note of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament's high percentage of women parliamentarians. He said, "I am pleased to see many women parliamentarians in this House" and noted that "respect for women is deeply rooted in Indian culture."

He quoted the ancient Indian scripture Skanda Purana, saying "one daughter brings as much happiness as ten sons," and emphasized that in modern India, women are leading in diverse fields from space exploration to sports, startups, science, education, business, aviation, and the military.

180 Years of Cultural Bonds

PM Modi also referenced the historical connection between the two nations. Since Indian people first arrived on these shores about 180 years ago, "the rhythms of India have blended beautifully with the beats of the Caribbean," and he praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora across all fields from politics to poetry, cricket, and commerce.

On the same day, PM Modi received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), the country's highest civilian honor. As the first foreign head of state to receive this decoration, he described it as "a reflection of an eternal and deep friendship." President Christine Kangaloo personally conferred the honor, and being of Indian descent herself, symbolically demonstrated the cultural connection between the two nations.