Indians make up around 38% of the Trinidad and Tobago population and approx population of Indians in Trinidad and Tobago as of 2023 is 5.60 Lakh. Indians in Trinidad and Tobago can trace their ancestors back to northern India, especially the Bhojpur and Awadh regions of the Hindi Belt, and with some Indians from southern India.

The sub-continent of India contributed about 143,000 indentured workers to Trinidad between 1845 and 1917. A vast majority of these Indian emigrants came from Northern India, mainly from the districts of the United Provinces and Bihar. 

From 1845 onwards, Indian emigrants streamed into the colony on shiploads bound to contractual labour lasting three to five years with an option to return back after the period of indentureship. Few returned, however. Approximately 134,183 Indians settled in Trinidad during the period 1845 – 1917 (indentured labor emigration to the Caribbean ended in 1917 with the passage of enabling British legislation) and their presence made a real difference to the physical and cultural landscape of this nation.

The other part of the community, NRIs, constitutes about 500 families, mostly engaged in business, teaching, and professions. Two Indian PSUs, Bank of Baroda (with 3 branches) and New India Assurance are in operation while Arcelor Mittal, the largest steel plant in the Caribbean, contributes the highest GDP outside of the energy industry, and has a majority share in the Inter-Commercial Bank. Indian companies like Berger Paints and Ranbaxy have a presence. Besides Indian traders do visit from time to time to organize trade fairs which have made Indian garments, accessories, furniture, and handicrafts very popular in the country.

The Diaspora is a formidable force in Trinidad, the largest numerical representation in the entire Caribbean; the most well-to-do and culturally strong and progressive ethnic group in the uniquely plural society of T&T. 

Source: India High Commission in T&T