Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival at Piarco International Airport on Wednesday turned into a vibrant celebration of Indo-Caribbean heritage, as Trinidad and Tobago’s Indian diaspora showcased their rich cultural traditions through music, dance, and traditional attire.
A striking welcome awaited PM Modi as members of the First Felicity Ramleela and Cultural Group, dressed in mythological costumes from Indian scriptures, greeted him with reverence.
Accompanying him was Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, draped in a graceful blue sari—an emblem of her Indian roots and cultural pride.
Tassa drummers filled the air with high-energy rhythms, while enthusiastic crowds – waving both Indian and Trinidadian flags – lined the barricades to offer their greetings.
Prime Minister Modi responded with folded hands and smiles, walking slowly to acknowledge their warmth.
Local performers added colour to the event. As reported by regional media outlet Loop, cultural troupes such as the Shiv Shakti Dance Group, the Malick Folk Performers, and traditional stilt-walkers known as Moko Jumbies contributed to the festivities at the airport.
PM Modi later shared photos of the reception on the social media platform.
Taking to X, he posted, “Sharing some glimpses from the welcome at Port of Spain. May the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago continue to scale new heights in the times to come!”
Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers received Prime Minister Modi upon landing and led him to a red carpet, where Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar welcomed him with a bouquet.
Three children, dressed in white, presented additional floral tributes and paused for photographs with him.
A ceremonial Guard of Honour was then presented, followed by introductions to key members of the Trinidad and Tobago Cabinet, all set to the backdrop of rhythmic tassa music and ongoing dance performances.
Later in the evening, PM Modi will likely attend a cultural programme at the International Cycling Centre and engage with the Indian diaspora, who form nearly 40% of Trinidad and Tobago’s 1.4 million population.
On Thursday, he will hold a formal meeting with President Christine Kangaloo and address a Joint Session of Parliament.
As part of the official proceedings, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will confer the prestigious Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), the country’s highest civilian honour, on PM Modi.
The government described this as ‘a tribute of the nation’s appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s outstanding contribution to the development of Trinidad and Tobago, and service to the region and wider international community’.
This warm and spirited welcome marks a significant moment in India-T&T relations and reaffirms the shared cultural and historical bonds dating back to the 19th century when Indians first arrived in the Caribbean as indentured labourers.
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