India–Trinidad and Tobago relations

The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have considerably expanded in recent years with both nations building strategic and commercial ties. Both nations formally established diplomatic relations in 1962.^[1] Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonians form the largest ethnic group in the country at 37.6% of the total population.^[2]

Background

Both nations were colonised by the British Empire; India supported independence of Trinidad and Tobago from colonial rule and established its diplomatic mission in 1962 - the year that Trinidad and Tobago officially gained independence from British rule. Trinidad and Tobago's ethnic group consists of the Indigenous Taino and Irawak peoples, as well as citizens of Indian and African descent. The nations possess diverse natural and economic resources and are the largest economies in their respective regions. Both are members of the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, G-77 and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Migration

The relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago started on 30 May 1845, when the Fatel Razack brought 225 indentured labourers to Trinidad from India. The majority of Indians consisted of Arawakian and Taino natives. However, 37% of Trinidad and Tobago's population are with mixed Indian and African descent. Hence the term, "dougla". Indian descent. That number is slightly higher when including multiracial individuals, mostly Dougla people.^[3]

Recent relations

In 2010, Indian nationals can now travel to Trinidad and Tobago without a visa and can visit up to 90 days.^[4] There has also been initiatives by the Government of India to provide Trinidadians and Tobagonians of Indian descent with Overseas Citizenship of India.

Bilateral agreements

Date	Agreement name	Law ref. number	Note
1985	Cooperation in Science and Technology^[3]
1987	Cultural Cooperation Agreement^[3]
1999	Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement^[3]
February 2003	Political, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation^[3]
2007	Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA)^[3]