Building on the consensus reached by the Prime Ministers of India and Poland during talks held on August 22, 2024, in Warsaw and recognising the momentum in bilateral cooperation created by the establishment of the Strategic Partnership, the two sides agreed to formulate and execute a five-year Action Plan that will guide bilateral collaboration in the years 2024-2028 across the following areas as priorities:

Political Dialogue and Security Cooperation

The two sides will maintain regular contacts between foreign ministers, and they will use both bilateral and multilateral fora for these interactions.

Both sides will consider supporting each other's aspirations on a case-by-case basis to contribute to multilateral cooperation in the spirit of the United Nations Charter.

The two sides will ensure holding of annual political dialogue at the level of deputy minister in charge of foreign relations.

The two sides will encourage relevant institutions to hold regular consultations on security and defence cooperation to promote contact between defence industries, modernise military equipment, and address outstanding issues.

The two sides decided that the next round of the Joint Working Group for defence cooperation will take place in 2024.

Trade and Investment

Recognizing opportunities in high-tech, agriculture, agritech, food tech, energy, climate, green technologies, infrastructure, smart cities, defense, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and mining, the two sides will explore further cooperation in these sectors during next Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) meeting scheduled for the end of 2024.

The two sides will strive to organize meetings of JCEC at least twice every five years, with the possibility of more frequent meetings, if necessary.

Both sides will work towards achieving balanced bilateral trade and addressing all issues to facilitate smooth trade and investment.

Both sides will enhance cooperation in economic security by focusing on increasing supply chain resilience and mitigating risks associated with trade dependencies.

Climate, Energy, Mining, Science and Technology

The two sides will expand their cooperation in sustainable and environmentally friendly technological solutions for the circular economy and waste-water management.

Acknowledging their historical reliance on domestic supplies for energy security, both sides will work together on advancing cleaner energy approaches and exploring cooperation in Clean Coal Technologies to minimize environmental impact.

Recognizing the crucial role of innovation and the growing importance of critical minerals, the two sides will collaborate on advanced mining systems, high-tech machinery, pioneering safety standards, and increase exchanges and cooperation in mining-related industries.

Both sides agreed to work on concluding a cooperation agreement to promote the safe, sustainable, and secure use of space and commercial space ecosystems. They also agreed to promote human and robotic exploration.

Poland recognizes India’s ambition to join the International Energy Agency.

Transport and Connectivity

The two sides will explore developing cooperation in the field of transport infrastructure.

The two sides will work to enhance connectivity between their countries and respective regions by discussing and pursuing further expansion of flight connections.

Terrorism

The two sides reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized that no country should provide a safe haven to those who finance, plan, support or commit terrorist acts. Both sides will make concerted efforts against all terrorists, including by designating individuals affiliated with groups that are listed by the UN Security Council 1267 sanctions committee.

Cyber Security

Recognizing the critical importance of cyber security for economic and social development, both sides will enhance close interaction and increased exchanges in ICT-related fields, with particular attention to international cooperation, legislative and regulatory solutions, judicial and police activities, deterrence, prevention and responses to cyber-attacks, awareness-building and educational programs, scientific and technological research and development, business and economic exchanges.

Health

Both sides underlines the vital role of strengthening collaboration in the field of health by exchanging and sharing information on areas of mutual interest, enhancing contacts among health experts, and supporting cooperation between health institutions in both countries.

People-to-People Ties and Cultural Cooperation

Both sides will work together to implement the Agreement on Social Security and they will make efforts to complete their respective internal legal procedures in this regard.

The two sides will strengthen cooperation between cultural institutions and organisations of the two countries. The two sides will strengthen exchanges between artists, language experts, scholars, and cultural institutions from both countries. They will also explore establishing cooperation and dialogue between their think tanks and experts.

The two sides will work together to strengthen cooperation in higher education and encourage universities from both sides to organise relevant activities. They will also encourage respective authorities to establish partnerships between academic institutions in both countries.

Both sides emphasized importance of education and linguistic and cultural exchange in building mutual understanding and fostering bilateral cultural ties. They also recognized the role of Hindi and Indian studies in Poland and Polish language and culture studies in India and agreed to work on an agreement between Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange and respective Indian agencies on teaching Polish language at various universities in India.

Both sides will continue to expand tourist flows in both directions by strengthening cooperation in tourism. This includes organizing tourism missions, arranging family trips for influencers and travel agencies, and participating in tourism fairs and roadshows in both countries.

To mark the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations, both sides will hold cultural festivals in each-others countries organized by the diplomatic missions. Dates for such special events will be decided in mutual consultations.

Both sides will also promote a Student Exchange Programme and build mutual understanding with younger generation.

India-EU

Recognizing that the EU and India are key international partners with a significant role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity, both sides will support the early conclusion of the ongoing India-EU trade and investment negotiations, the operationalization of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), and the implementation of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership to advance the India-EU Strategic Partnership in trade, new technologies, and security.

Way Forward

Both sides will ensure regular monitoring of the implementation of the Action Plan, with the annual political consultation as the primary mechanism for reviewing and updating the activities. The extension of the Action Plan for another five-year period will be adopted by the respective ministers in charge of foreign affairs.

Explore More
Blood of every Indian is on the boil: PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat

Popular Speeches

Blood of every Indian is on the boil: PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat
'2,500 Political Parties In India, I Repeat...': PM Modi’s Remark Stuns Ghana Lawmakers

Media Coverage

'2,500 Political Parties In India, I Repeat...': PM Modi’s Remark Stuns Ghana Lawmakers
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
India and Trinidad & Tobago share a relationship rooted in centuries-old bonds: PM Modi in Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago
July 04, 2025
QuoteI am deeply honoured to stand before you, the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation: PM
QuoteFor India, democracy is a way of life: PM
QuoteIndia and Trinidad & Tobago share a relationship rooted in centuries-old bonds: PM
QuoteWe are strengthening the hands of women to build a modern India: PM
QuoteWe see our development as a responsibility towards others; And, our priority will always be the Global South: PM
QuoteThe Global South is rising; They wish to see a new and fairer world order: PM
QuoteMAHASAGAR is India's guiding vision for the Global South: PM

Your Excellency Prime Minister कमला परसाद-बिसेसर जी,
Honourable President of the Senate Mr. वेड मार्क,
Honourable Speaker Mr. जगदेव सिंह,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Members of Parliament,

Namaskar !
सुप्रभात !
Good Morning !

I am deeply honoured to stand before you, the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation.

I bring greetings from 1.4 billion people of India. I also bring warm wishes from the people of Ghana, the country I visited just before arriving here.

I am humbled to be the first Indian Prime Minister to speak to you in this iconic Red House. This historic building has seen the struggles and sacrifices of the people of Trinidad and Tobago for freedom and dignity. Over the past six decades, it has stood strong as you built a just, inclusive, and prosperous democracy.

|

Friends,

The people of this great nation have chosen two remarkable women leaders – the President and the Prime Minister. They proudly call themselves daughters of the Indian diaspora. They take pride in their Indian heritage. In India, we admire their leadership, grit, and determination. They are living symbols of the relationship between our countries, built on shared roots and shared dreams.

Distinguished Members,

Both our nations rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our own stories —with courage as our ink and democracy as our pen.

Today, both our nations stand as proud democracies, and pillars of strength in the modern world. A couple of months ago, you celebrated the festival of democracy by participating in elections. I congratulate the people of this country for their wisdom and vision – for peace, stability and prosperity. I also congratulate the newly elected members of this august House.

I extend special greetings to Prime Minister Kamla ji for forming the government once again. And, I wish her continued success as she leads this great nation towards sustained growth and prosperity.

|

Friends,

When I look at the golden words inscribed on the Speaker's Chair :

"FROM THE PEOPLE OF INDIA TO THE PEOPLE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO",

I feel a deep sense of emotion. That chair is not just a piece of furniture but a powerful symbol of the friendship and trust between our two nations. The words expresses the bond that one democracy feels for another.

आप सभी जानते हैं…
भारतीयों के लिए डेमोक्रेसी सिर्फ एक पॉलिटिकल मॉडल भर नहीं है।
हमारे लिए, ये way of life है…
हमारी हज़ारों वर्षों की महान विरासत है।
इस संसद में भी कई साथी ऐसे हैं...जिनके पूर्वज बिहार से हैं...
वो बिहार जो महाजनपदों यानि ancient republics की भूमि है।

In India, democracy is not just a political system. For us, it is a way of life. Your Parliament also has some members, whose forefathers were from the Indian state of Bihar, which is famous for centres like Vaishali.

Friends,

There is a natural warmth in the connection between our two countries. I must say, Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team! We cheer for them with all our heart, except, when they are playing against India.

Relationship between our two countries is built on the foundations of centuries-old bonds. 180 years ago, the first Indians arrived on this land after a long and hard journey. Oceans away, the Indian beats blended beautifully with the Caribbean rhythm.

Here, Bhojpuri found harmony with creole.

Dal Puri met Doubles,

And, tabla met the steel pan!

Today, the people of Indian origin are proud bearers of the Red, Black and White Flag !

From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce, calypso to chutney, they contribute to every field. They are an integral part of the vibrant diversity that you all respect. Together, you have built a nation that lives its motto, "Together we aspire, together we achieve”.

|

Friends,

Earlier today, Her Excellency the President graciously conferred upon me this country’s highest national award. I accepted it with humility on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.

Now, with immense gratitude, I dedicate it to the enduring friendship and the ancestral ties between our two nations.

Friends,

I am delighted to see so many women Members in this House. Respect for women is deeply rooted in Indian culture. One of our important holy texts, the स्कन्द-पुराण says:

दशपुत्र समा कन्या दशपुत्रान् प्रवर्धयन् |
यत् फलं लभते मर्त्यः तत् लभ्यं कन्या एकया ||

It means, one daughter brings as much happiness as 10 sons. We are strengthening the hands of women to build a modern India.

From space to sports, startups to science, education to enterprise, aviation to armed forces, they are leading India to a new future in various domains. Like you, we have a woman, who rose from humble beginnings to become our President.

Two years ago, the Indian Parliament took a historic step. We decided to ensure a 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. This ensures that in the coming generations, more and more women will decide the destiny and direction of the nation.

Women leaders are also thriving at the grassroots in India. Around 1.5 million elected women power local governance institutions. We are in an era of women-led development. This was also one of the important themes that we furthered during our G20 presidency.

हम भारत में वीमेन लेड डवलपमेंट का एक नया मॉडल विकसित कर रहे हैं।अपनी G-20 प्रेसीडेंसी के दौरान भी इस मॉडल की सफलता को हमने पूरी दुनिया के सामने रखा है।

|

Distinguished Members,

Today, India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Every sector, every region and every society is part of this growth story.

India’s growth is inclusive and people-centric. A recent report of the International Labour Organisation notes that India’s social security and welfare umbrella covers 950 million people. That is almost 1 billion people, which is a greater population than most countries in the world!

Our vision for such inclusive growth does not stop at our borders. We see our development also as a responsibility towards others. And, our priority will always be the Global South.

With the same spirit, we are deepening our relations with Trinidad and Tobago. Our trade will continue to grow. We will encourage our businesses to invest more in this country. Our development partnership will expand. Training, capacity building, and skill development will keep human development at its centre. Health has been and will remain a key part of our partnership.

Many Indian doctors and healthcare workers have been serving here with distinction. We are glad that you have decided to recognize Indian medical standards. This will ensure access to high-quality, affordable medicines for all.

We also welcome your decision to adopt the UPI digital payment system. It is a major step forward. UPI has revolutionised digital payments in India.

Powered by this platform, India has become the nation with the highest number of real time digital payments in the world. Today, in India, even the mango sellers have QR codes. If you try to pay them in cash, they will ask you to use UPI, because they don’t have the change!

We are also keen to collaborate on other digital innovations. As India develops AI tools to foster growth and development in the Global South, Trinidad and Tobago will be a priority nation for us.

We will share our expertise in agriculture, horticulture and food processing. Machinery from India will support your agro-industry. And, because development is about dignity, we will organise an artificial limb fitment camp for differently-abled citizens here.

For us, there are no limits to our cooperation with you. We will always be guided by your needs and priorities.

|

Friends,

Synergy between our nations holds immense promise. As a key player in the Caribbean and a bridge to Latin America, Trinidad and Tobago has great potential. I am sure that our ties will help us forge a stronger connection with the wider region.

Building on the momentum of the second India-CARICOM summit, we are eager to collaborate on initiatives that, enhance trade and investment, build infrastructure and mobility, implement community development projects, and, above all, support capacity building, training and skill development on a large scale.

Friends,

I also see our partnership in a larger global framework. The scale and speed of change in the world is unprecedented. There are fundamental shifts in the nature of politics and power. Free trade is under pressure. There are growing global divisions, disputes and disparities.

The world is faced with challenges of climate change, food, health and energy security. Terrorism remains a pressing threat. Colonial rules of the past may have ended, but their shadows linger in new forms.

There are new challenges in space and cyber security. Artificial Intelligence is unlocking new opportunities as well as risks. The old institutions are struggling to deliver peace and progress.

At the same time, the Global South is rising. They wish to see a new and fairer world order. When the United Nations turned 75, there was great hope across the developing world. A hope that long-pending reforms would be realised. That their voices would finally be heard. But that hope has turned into disappointment. The voice of the developing world remains on the margins. India has always tried to bridge this gap.

For India, MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, is the guiding vision for the Global South. Whenever we got the opportunity, we have given voice to the Global South.

During our G-20 presidency, we brought the concerns of the Global South to the centre of global decision-making. During the pandemic, while caring for our 1.4 billion people, India provided vaccines and medicines to over 150 countries. In times of disaster, we have responded swiftly—with aid, relief, and solidarity. Our development partnerships are demand-driven, respectful, and without conditions.

|

Distinguished members,

It is time for us to work together, to give the Global South its rightful seat at the right table. To ensure climate justice, so that the burden does not fall on those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis. We consider Trinidad and Tobago an important partner in this endeavour.

Friends,

Our two countries may differ in size and geography, but we are deeply aligned in our values. We are proud democracies. We believe in dialogue, sovereignty, multilateralism and human dignity. In these times of conflicts, we must remain true to these values.

Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. This very Red House has itself witnessed the wounds of terror and the loss of innocent blood. We must stand united to deny terrorism any shelter or space. We thank the people and the government of this country for standing with us in our fight against terrorism.

Friends,

Our forefathers struggled, sacrificed, and had dreams of better lives for future generations. Both India and Trinidad and Tobago have come a long way on the journey to the future we have promised our people. But we still have a lot to do - by ourselves and together.

All of you, as Members of the Parliament, have a vital role in shaping that future. From Ayodhya to Arima, From the ghats of Ganga to the Gulf of Paria, may our bonds grow ever deeper, and our dreams ever higher.

With this thought, I thank you, once again, for this honour. As you say here, with grace and pride - "Respect due.”

Thank you. Thank you very much.