Port of Spain: Strengthening bilateral ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday inaugurated an India-supported agro-processing facility and a permanent prosthetics centre in South Trinidad. Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar was also present during the event.
The agro-processing facility, established under India’s “SEEDS” initiative, aims to support the local agricultural sector, enhance value-added food processing, and strengthen small and medium enterprises in the Caribbean nation. Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar said the project reflects the growing development partnership between the two countries and would directly benefit local communities.
The External Affairs Minister also inaugurated a permanent prosthetics centre in the Penal region. The centre has been developed on the model of India’s renowned “Jaipur Foot” initiative and is expected to provide modern artificial limb support to differently-abled people across Trinidad and Tobago as well as the wider Caribbean region.
Jaishankar described the initiative as a symbol of India’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation and inclusive development. He said the prosthetics centre would help restore “mobility, dignity and self-reliance” to beneficiaries.
Officials stated that previous Jaipur Foot camps in the region had already helped hundreds of people receive artificial limbs. With the establishment of a permanent facility, such services are now expected to continue on a regular basis.
Jaishankar’s visit is being seen as an important step in expanding India’s engagement with Caribbean nations, particularly in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and community development.