Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his landmark visit to Trinidad & Tobago on 4 July, described the life journey of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation as one of immense courage, perseverance, and cultural strength.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Port of Spain, he remarked, “The story of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. Your ancestors faced hardship with hope and persistence.”
In his emotional tribute, PM Modi highlighted that while the Girmitiyas left behind rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, they carried the Ramayan in their hearts, symbolising their unwavering bond with Indian civilisation.
He described them not merely as migrants but as ‘messengers of a timeless civilisation’, whose presence has enriched Trinidad & Tobago culturally, economically, and spiritually.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the achievements of Indian-origin leaders and personalities in Trinidad & Tobago, such as PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, President Christine Carla Kangaloo, the late Basdeo Pandey, and iconic figures like Sundar Popo, Rudranath Capildeo, and cricketer Darren Ganga.
The Indian Prime Minister told the community, “You no longer define yourselves by struggle—you define yourselves by success, service, and values.”
He also fondly joked about the local cuisine, saying, “There must be something magical in the ‘doubles’ and ‘dal poori’—because you have doubled the success of this great nation!”
Upon arrival in Port of Spain, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome with traditional music and dance, reflecting the deep cultural ties between India and the Caribbean.
He also witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance and acknowledged the cultural connect between the region and Indian states like Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
PM Modi engaged warmly with diaspora members, including winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz—Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato—stating the initiative had strengthened global diaspora ties with India.
During the visit, PM Modi will meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to explore deeper cooperation in digital infrastructure, education, energy, and cultural exchange.
He will also address a Joint Session of Parliament in Trinidad & Tobago.
This marks the first Indian prime ministerial bilateral visit to the Caribbean nation since 1999.
PM Modi reiterated that the journey of India–Trinidad & Tobago ties go well beyond geography and generations, and he expressed hope that this visit would bring the two nations even closer.
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