Prime Minister Narendra Modi Receives Enthusiastic Welcome From Indian Diaspora In Trinidad And Tobago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an overwhelming welcome from the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, marking a culturally resonant start to the second leg of his five-nation tour.

Touching down in Port of Spain, the Prime Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the diaspora for their warm reception.

Lauding the significant role played by the Indian-origin population in shaping the Caribbean nation’s progress, PM Modi noted their excellence across diverse sectors while maintaining deep-rooted ties to Indian heritage.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they distinguished themselves in several fields and are enriching Trinidad & Tobago’s development journey. At the same time, they have retained a connection with India and are also passionate about Indian culture. Grateful to the local Indian community for an unforgettable welcome in Port of Spain.”

“The Indian community in Trinidad & Tobago extended a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi. Their enthusiasm reflected the deep-rooted cultural ties and shared heritage between the two nations,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted. 

Prime Minister Modi further posted a series of visuals from the reception, remarking, “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!”

Ceremonial welcome at the airport

Earlier in the day, PM Modi was received at Piarco International Airport by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, dressed in Indian attire, alongside 38 ministers and four MPs.

A ceremonial Guard of Honour and vibrant cultural performances, including portrayals of mythological characters, set the tone for the historic visit.

The celebrations continued as PM Modi reached his hotel, where the Indian community greeted him with chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Modi, Modi’.

Traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal music and an orchestral ensemble added to the festive atmosphere.

Prime Minister Modi also interacted with diaspora members gathered at the airport to welcome him.

This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999, and PM Modi’s first to the island nation.

It follows his successful engagement in Ghana, where PM Modi addressed Ghana’s Parliament and awarded the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, dedicating the honour to the strong bonds between India and Ghana.

Before departing Ghana, Prime Minister Modi posted on X, “Leaving for Trinidad & Tobago. Later this evening, I look forward to attending a community programme in Port of Spain. Tomorrow, will be addressing the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. Looking forward to deepening ties with a valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share very old cultural linkages.”

Following Trinidad and Tobago, the Prime Minister will continue his tour with visits to Argentina, Brazil and Namibia.

Strengthening India-Caribbean relations

On Friday, PM Modi will address a Joint Session of Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament — a historic moment reflecting the growing India-Caribbean relationship.

President Kangaloo was the Chief Guest at this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, while Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar — now in her second term — has visited India previously and is a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.

This year also marks 180 years since the first Indian migrants arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, making the visit particularly significant in celebrating shared heritage and cultural ties.

Notably, this is Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to the Caribbean in less than a year — following his trip to Guyana in November 2024 — underscoring India’s commitment to its partnership with CARICOM nations.

During the second India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown last year, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s role as a strong voice for the Global South, highlighting its role in supporting regional partners through initiatives like digital transformation.

On the sidelines of that summit, he met then Prime Minister Keith Rowley and lauded the adoption of India’s UPI platform in Trinidad and Tobago, pledging further collaboration in digital infrastructure.

India and Trinidad and Tobago are also working to deepen cooperation in pharmaceuticals, tertiary healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, sports, innovation, and education.

Cultural and emotional ties with the Indian diaspora

Ahead of the tour, MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra noted, “The visit comes at an opportune time, as this year, 2025, the country (Trinidad and Tobago) is commemorating 180 years of the arrival of Indian immigrants in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Of Trinidad and Tobago’s 1.36 million people, nearly 40–45 per cent are of Indian descent — a community that maintains deep-rooted cultural and emotional ties with India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned address to the Parliament will likely reaffirm India’s democratic values and enduring friendship with the Caribbean.

“The Speaker’s chair in the Parliament has been a gift by India, which is again a symbolic reminder of the strong democratic and parliamentary traditions between our two countries,” asserted Secretary Malhotra.

She also underscored the personal significance of the visit, as both the President and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago are of Indian heritage and proudly refer to themselves as ‘daughters of India’.

“The MEA Secretary further remarked, “The entire Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is very enthusiastic about PM Modi’s upcoming visit and a large diaspora interaction event is being planned during the visit. During the visit, the PM will hold high-level discussions with both the President and Prime Minister, and the leaders will likely cover the entire gamut of our bilateral relations, as well as regional and multilateral aspects.”

Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Begins First Trinidad Visit As Indian Prime Minister Since 1999