What Did PM Modi Say After His Warm Welcome by the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago?

Port of Spain, July 4 (NationPress) Upon landing in Port of Spain on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was met with a lavish and heartfelt reception from the Indian diaspora residing in Trinidad and Tobago. He expressed his immense gratitude for their generous hospitality.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significant role of the local Indian community in the Caribbean, emphasizing their contributions to the nation’s growth while maintaining a strong bond with their Indian roots and a passion for Indian culture.

“The Indian community in Trinidad & Tobago gave a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi. Their enthusiasm mirrored the deep-seated cultural connections and shared heritage between our two nations,” the Prime Minister’s Office shared in a post on X.

“Many from India settled in Trinidad & Tobago decades ago. Over time, they have made remarkable strides in various fields, contributing to the development of Trinidad & Tobago while keeping their Indian heritage alive and cherishing their culture. I am thankful to the local Indian community for such a memorable welcome in Port of Spain,” PM Modi stated in a post on social media platform X.

“Here are some glimpses from the welcome in Port of Spain. May the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago reach new heights in the future!” PM Modi added on his official X account.

Earlier, upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who donned traditional Indian attire, at Piarco International Airport.

Additionally, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the airport, where 38 Ministers and four Members of Parliament were present to greet him.

He also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at the airport.

This visit marks the second stop on PM Modi's five-nation tour, following a successful trip to Ghana.

During this official engagement, PM Modi plans to discuss strengthening bilateral ties with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago.

This is PM Modi's inaugural visit to the Caribbean nation as Prime Minister, and it is the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.

Throughout the visit, the Prime Minister will engage with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to explore ways to fortify the bilateral relationship.

Previously, PM Modi addressed the Parliament of Ghana and dedicated the prestigious “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana” award he received to the enduring friendship and shared values between the two nations.

“Departing for Trinidad & Tobago. I look forward to participating in a community program later this evening in Port of Spain. Tomorrow, I will address the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. I am eager to enhance ties with a valued Caribbean partner, with whom we share deeply rooted cultural connections,” PM Modi posted on X following his two-day visit to Ghana.

Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) serves as the second destination on the Prime Minister's ongoing five-nation journey, which will also include visits to Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

Similar to Ghana, PM Modi is scheduled to address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.

His visit aims to invigorate the profound historical, cultural, and personal connections that bind the two nations.

President Kangaloo was the Chief Guest at this year’s Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently commenced her second term, has previously visited India and has been honored with the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman award.

Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago, and PM Modi's visit is anticipated to provide a platform to renew the special ancestral and kinship ties that bind both nations.

Interestingly, this marks Prime Minister Modi's second visit to the Caribbean region within eight months—his previous trip was to Guyana in November 2024—demonstrating the significant importance India places on Caribbean nations and reflecting India’s growing partnership with CARICOM.

Last November, during the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to amplifying the voices of the Global South. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Caribbean nations as reliable partners, particularly as they navigate recent global challenges.

At the Summit in Guyana, PM Modi also congratulated the then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley, on the adoption of India’s flagship UPI Platform by the Caribbean nation, assuring them of continued collaboration in digital transformation.

Both countries are eager to expand and diversify their cooperation into emerging areas such as pharmaceuticals, tertiary care, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, agriculture, disaster resilience, and innovation and technology, alongside sports, education, and cultural collaboration.

“This visit is well-timed, as Trinidad and Tobago is commemorating 180 years since the arrival of Indian immigrants this year, 2025,” stated MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra during a special media briefing on Monday, ahead of the Prime Minister’s five-nation journey.

The vibrant Indian diaspora underpins the bilateral relations between both nations. Of the total 1.36 million population of T&T, the Indian diaspora accounts for nearly 40-45 percent. These descendants of immigrants, who began arriving in 1845, continue to uphold robust cultural and emotional ties with India.

PM Modi’s address to the joint session of the T&T Parliament symbolizes India’s traditions and democratic values, reaffirming New Delhi’s longstanding and enduring connections with the Caribbean.

“The Speaker’s chair in the Parliament was a gift from India, serving as a strong reminder of the democratic and parliamentary traditions shared by our two nations,” remarked Secretary Malhotra.

This visit holds special significance for both the President and the Prime Minister of T&T, as they both proudly identify as individuals of Indian heritage.

“The entire Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is buzzing with excitement for PM Modi’s upcoming visit, with a large diaspora interaction event being organized during this time. The Prime Minister is scheduled to engage in high-level discussions with both the President and Prime Minister, covering a comprehensive range of bilateral relations, as well as regional and multilateral issues,” noted the MEA Secretary.