What did PM Modi discuss with Indian students in Trinidad & Tobago?

Port of Spain, July 4 (NationPress) Emphasizing the vital role of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, along with the strong ties between the Caribbean nation and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with three outstanding Indian youths — Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj, and Vince Mahato, winners of the 'Bharat Ko Janiye' (Know India) Quiz during his visit.

"I had the pleasure of meeting young achievers Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj, and Vince Mahato, who triumphed in the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago. This initiative has seen widespread global participation and has strengthened the bonds of our diaspora with India," PM Modi expressed in a post on X.

Upon his arrival in Port of Spain, PM Modi received a warm and grand reception from the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, expressing his deep gratitude for their warm hospitality.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significant contributions of the local Indian populace in Trinidad and Tobago, noting their exceptional achievements in various sectors while maintaining strong ties to India and a passion for Indian culture.

"The Indian community in Trinidad & Tobago offered a heartfelt welcome to PM @narendramodi. Their enthusiasm showcases the enduring cultural ties and shared heritage between our two nations," the Prime Minister's Office remarked on X.

"Generations of Indians have settled in Trinidad & Tobago over the years. They have made remarkable contributions across multiple fields, enriching the nation’s development while staying connected to India and its vibrant culture. I am thankful to the local Indian community for their unforgettable welcome in Port of Spain," PM Modi shared in a social media post.

"Here are a few glimpses from the warm welcome at Port of Spain. May the bond between India and Trinidad & Tobago continue to soar to new heights!" PM Modi stated on his official X account.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed at the Piarco International Airport by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who was dressed in traditional Indian attire.

He was honored with a ceremonial welcome at the airport, attended by 38 Ministers and four Members of Parliament.

Additionally, he interacted with members of the Indian diaspora present at the airport.

This marks the second leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour, following his successful visit to Ghana.

During this official visit, PM Modi is set to engage in discussions with top leadership in Trinidad and Tobago to enhance bilateral relations.

This is his inaugural visit to the Caribbean nation as Prime Minister, and the first bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.

During this trip, Prime Minister Modi will converse with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to explore ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Previously, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Parliament of Ghana and dedicated the prestigious 'Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana' award he received to the lasting friendship and shared values between the nations.

"Departing for Trinidad & Tobago. Later today, I look forward to participating in a community program in Port of Spain. Tomorrow, I will address the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. I am excited to enhance our ties with this valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share significant cultural connections," PM Modi posted on X after concluding his two-day visit to Ghana.

Trinidad & Tobago will be the second destination on the Prime Minister's ongoing five-nation tour, which will also include stops in Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

Like in Ghana, PM Modi will also address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.

This visit by Prime Minister Modi is expected to revitalize the historical, cultural, and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago, and PM Modi's visit presents a unique opportunity to renew the special ties of ancestry and kinship that bind both nations.

Notably, this marks PM Modi's second trip to the Caribbean region in just eight months — he had previously visited Guyana in November 2024 — which underscores India's commitment to strengthening relations with Caribbean nations and reflects India's growing partnership with CARICOM.

Last November, while speaking at the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, PM Modi emphasized India's dedication to representing the voices of the Global South. He reiterated India's steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner for Caribbean nations.

During the sidelines of the Summit in Guyana, PM Modi also met with the then Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley and congratulated him on the adoption of India's flagship UPI Platform by Trinidad and Tobago, while promising further collaboration in digital transformation.

Both nations are aiming to expand and diversify their cooperation into key emerging areas such as pharmaceuticals, tertiary care, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, agriculture, disaster resilience, as well as innovation and technology, along with sports, academia, and cultural collaboration.

"This visit comes at a significant moment, as Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating 180 years of Indian immigration in 2025," stated MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra during a special media briefing on Monday ahead of PM Modi's five-nation visit.

Bilateral relations between the two countries are bolstered by a vibrant Indian diaspora. Out of Trinidad and Tobago's total population of 1.36 million, the Indian diaspora comprises nearly 40-45%. These descendants of immigrants, who began arriving in 1845, continue to maintain robust cultural and emotional ties with India.

PM Modi's address to the joint session of Trinidad and Tobago's parliament symbolizes India's democratic values and traditions, reaffirming New Delhi's lasting connections with the Caribbean.

"The Speaker's chair in the Parliament was gifted by India, serving as a symbolic reminder of our strong democratic and parliamentary traditions," remarked Secretary Malhotra.

This visit is particularly meaningful for both the President and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, as they both have Indian ancestry and proudly identify as "daughters of India."

"The entire Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is eagerly anticipating PM Modi's visit, and a large diaspora interaction event is being organized. Throughout the visit, the PM will engage in high-level discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister, covering the full spectrum of our bilateral relations, along with regional and multilateral issues," the MEA Secretary concluded.