Caption: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a Joint Sitting of Parliament on Friday with House Speaker Jagdeo Singh, left, and Senate President Wade Mark, right, on Friday
By Alicia Chamely
PRIME Minister of India Narendra Modi says Trinidad and Tobago will remain a priority as India continues to strengthen its economic and social ties in the global south.
Prime Minister Modi assured T&T of India’s commitment to strengthen development through their “Global South” policy during his address at a Joint Sitting of Parliament and the Senate on Friday at the Red House, Port of Spain.
Saying he was “humbled to be the first Indian Prime Minister” to speak in the Red House, Modi said India’s growth does not stop at its borders and there will be “no limits” to its cooperation with T&T.
Modi discussed India’s commitment to sharing its agricultural, horticultural and food processing expertise with T&T as a part of the partnership between the two countries.
He also praised T&T for adopting Indian medical standards.
Modi said, “Health will remain a key part of our partnership. Many Indian doctors and healthcare workers have been serving here with distinction. We are glad you have decided to recognize Indian medical standards, this will ensure excess to high quality, affordable medicine for all.”
Expanding on India’s involvement in healthcare, Modi announced the launch of a limb treatment camp in T&T, which will provide prosthetic limbs and mobility aids to those in need.
In relation to sharing of technology, especially in the financial sector, Modi said he was pleased T&T had decided to adopt the UPI digital payment system.
Modi joked the system was so popular in India, even the mango sellers refused cash payments preferring digital payments.
He said the adoption of the United Payments Interface (UPI) digital system would greatly enhance the functioning of all government services that interface with the public.
Modi said, “Distinguished members, it is time for us to work together to give the global south its rightful seat at the table.”
Before arriving at the Red House for his address, Modi was awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago by President Christine Kangaloo at the President’s Office, Port of Spain.
Regarding receiving the nation’s highest award, Modi said, “I accept this with humility, on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.”
Modi said, “Friends, our two countries may differ in size and geography, but they are deeply aligned in their values.”
He said India was dedicated to deepening its relations with T&T and assured, “We will always be guided by your needs.”
Modi arrived in T&T on Thursday afternoon and left shortly after 2 pm on Friday. His visit was a part of his five-nation tour, where he sought to strengthen ties with various nations as part of India’s “Global South” policy.
