Indo-Trinidadians are people of South Asian descent who are citizens or nationals of Trinidad and Tobago. They are also referred to simply as Indians or East Indians, although some may refer to themselves as West Indian. Indo-Trinidadians are a plurality of the population of Trinidad and Tobago (40.3%). An additional 18.4% of the population describe themselves as being of Mixed Race; many of them are also of part-Indian descent.

The Indo-Trinidadian population originates from indentured labourers brought to work in sugar cane plantations in the Caribbean following the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833. The first Indians arrived in Trinidad on May 30, 1845 (see Indian Arrival Day). The immigration of indentured Indians continued until 1917 when it was banned by the government of India. A substantial minority of Indo-Trinidadians trace their ancestry to indentured immigrants to Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent, Grenada or other islands in the Caribbean. A few are descendants later immigrants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka, predominantly doctors and Gujarati businessmen.

A majority of Indo-Trinidadians are Hindu; large minorities are Muslim or belong to one of several Christian denominations. The Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago is predominantly Indo-Trinidadian. Three national holidays, Indian Arrival Day, Divali and Eid-ul-Fitr are primarily celebrated by Indo-Trinidadians. The Opposition United National Congress draws most of its support from the Indo-Trinidadian community. Historically they have supported a series of political parties which have opposed the Afro-Trinidadian-dominated People's National Movement.

The major Hindu organisation in Trinidad is the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha led by Satnarayan Maharaj. The major Muslim organisation is the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA) led by Yacoob Ali. Although these organisations were once seen to speak for the vast majority of Hindus and Muslims in Trinidad, their membership has gradually eroded.

Indo-Trinidadians have retained their distinctive culture, but function in a multi-racial milieu. The Bhojpuri-Hindi, Urdu and Tamil languages of their ancestors have largely been lost, although a number of these words have entered the Trinidadian vernacular. Bollywood movies, Indian music and Indian cooking have entered the mainstream culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Chutney music rivals calypso and soca music during the Carnival season. Divali is a national holiday, and Phagwah is widely celebrated.

Notable Indo-Trinidadians

• Noor Hassanali, former President.
• Jean Ramjohn-Richards, current First Lady.
• Basdeo Panday, former Prime Minister, current Leader of the Opposition.
• V. S. Naipaul, Nobel Prize-winning author.
• Mervyn Dymally, State Assemblyman, retired U.S. Congressman and former Lt. Governor of California.
• Sundar Popo, pioneer of Chutney music.
• Samuel Selvon, author.

Trinidadians who descent from the indigenous people of the region are known as Caribs or Amerindians.

See also

• Afro-Trinidadian
• Indo-Caribbean
• Person of Indian Origin
• Indian Arrival Day
• History of Trinidad and Tobago