The Republic of India and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago held the second round of Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in Port of Spain on 16 August 2021. Mrs Riva Ganguly Das, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, led the Indian delegation and Mr. Bruce Lai, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, led the Trinidad and Tobago delegation.
2.Both sides reviewed the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship including trade and economic cooperation and expressed satisfaction at the progress made so far. Both sides decided to explore opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and investments. . Discussions were also held on challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and on exploring cooperation in the post-Covid-19 recovery period in areas of mutual interest such as health and pharmaceuticals, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), information technology-enabled services (ITES), Science and Technology and Space, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, food processing, tourism, hotel and hospitality industry.
3.The government of Trinidad and Tobago thanked the Indian side for the assistance provided under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme. They also discussed possibilities of project-related cooperation under the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The Trinidad and Tobago delegation also took the opportunity to express its appreciation to the Government of India for the donation of vaccines.
4.Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues.
5.Both sides agreed to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year, commensurate with the close and warm bilateral ties that exist between the two countries. Both sides highlighted the growing people to people linkages between the two countries which further reinforces the bilateral relationship. Both sides expressed satisfaction regarding the completion of the long-awaited Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation (MGICC) in Mt. Hope, the largest cultural centre built by India outside of India.
6.The Indian delegation called on Senator the Honorable Dr Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to facilitate the early holding of the second round of the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) at the Foreign Minister’s level.
7. The talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.
Port of Spain
August 16, 2021