Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed an enthusiastic gathering of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago today during a landmark visit that coincides with the 180th anniversary of the first arrival of Indian immigrants to the Caribbean nation.
The event, marked by vibrant cultural performances and deep camaraderie, was attended by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister H.E. Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, members of her Cabinet, Parliamentarians, and numerous dignitaries. Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with traditional Indo-Trinidadian hospitality and greeted with heartfelt warmth by the local Indian-origin community.
In a significant gesture of bilateral goodwill, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago would confer the country’s highest civilian honour, The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, on Prime Minister Modi. Expressing sincere gratitude, Prime Minister Modi thanked the government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago for the prestigious recognition.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi praised the Indian diaspora for their enduring spirit, cultural vibrancy, and substantial contributions to the development of Trinidad and Tobago. He commended their efforts in preserving Indian cultural heritage across generations, calling their continued connection with India a source of pride.
To further strengthen these bonds, Prime Minister Modi announced that Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards will now be made available to the sixth generation of Indian-origin citizens in Trinidad and Tobago. The announcement drew loud applause from the audience.
Highlighting the special timing of his visit, Modi remarked that it was an honour to be in Trinidad and Tobago as the nation commemorates 180 years since the arrival of Indian indentured labourers. He affirmed India’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the Girmitiyas and pledged support for initiatives aimed at nurturing their heritage.
Prime Minister Modi also spoke about India’s remarkable progress over the past decade. He shared how India has made transformative strides in sectors such as infrastructure, digital innovation, green energy, manufacturing, space exploration, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing. He noted that more than 250 million people in India have been lifted out of extreme poverty as a result of inclusive development policies.
Discussing India’s pioneering digital payments system, Modi highlighted the success of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and expressed confidence in its potential adoption in Trinidad and Tobago. He emphasized the importance of global solidarity, drawing upon India’s ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — which was reflected in India’s humanitarian outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grand diaspora celebration, attended by over 4,000 people, featured an engaging cultural programme organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and other local cultural groups. The event underscored the deep-rooted and evolving ties between India and Trinidad & Tobago, with Prime Minister Modi’s visit marking a new chapter in this enduring relationship.