New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a landmark two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, lauded the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation for their resilience, spirit, and enduring cultural legacy. Addressing a large gathering of the Indian community at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva on Thursday, PM Modi described their journey as “one of courage,” acknowledging the immense hardships their ancestors endured as indentured labourers.
“The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest spirits,” PM Modi said, referring to the Girmitiya community, descendants of Indian labourers brought by the British to work on plantations. “They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts,” he remarked, calling them messengers of India’s timeless civilisation.
The prime minister began his Trinidad and Tobago visit with this community interaction, noting it felt entirely natural because “we are part of one family.” The island nation is home to approximately 1.3 million people, with nearly 45 percent of the population tracing their roots to India.
Praising the Indian-origin community’s role in shaping the Caribbean nation, Modi said, “Your contributions have enriched Trinidad and Tobago culturally, economically, and spiritually.” Citing prominent figures of Indian descent such as former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo, PM Modi stressed that today’s Indian diaspora is not defined by struggle, but by “success, service, and values.”
He reiterated his often-used phrase, calling each member of the diaspora a “Rashtradoot”—an ambassador of India’s values, culture, and heritage.
Reflecting on India’s global rise, PM Modi highlighted that India is now the fastest-growing major economy and will soon be among the top three economies in the world. He added, “As we grow, we ensure that our progress benefits the world. Today’s India is a land of opportunities. India has a lot to offer.”
He also announced that work is underway to create a comprehensive global database of the Girmitiya community, to better understand and preserve their legacy worldwide.
Calling the event in Port of Spain “spectacular”, the Prime Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The energy and warmth of the people made it truly unforgettable. Evidently, our cultural bonds shine brightly!”
Before PM Modi’s speech, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Trinidad and Tobago’s former Prime Minister, addressed the gathering and announced that Modi would be conferred the Order of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his global leadership and deepening India-Caribbean ties.
Upon his arrival at Piarco International Airport, Modi was warmly received by Persad-Bissessar and was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a guard of honour. This visit marks his first to Trinidad and Tobago as India’s Prime Minister and the first Indian Prime Ministerial-level bilateral visit to the nation in over two decades—since 1999.
During the visit, PM Modi is expected to address a Joint Session of Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament and hold high-level talks with the country’s leadership to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
As the two countries continue to nurture their deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, Modi’s visit is seen as a milestone in enhancing strategic engagement with the Caribbean region and reinforcing India’s outreach to its diaspora communities around the world.
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