Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome as he addressed a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday during his historic visit to the Caribbean nation. The event, attended by over 4,000 people, featured a vibrant Indo-Trinidadian cultural programme and was graced by Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with members of her Cabinet, Parliament, and other dignitaries.
In a significant gesture, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar announced that PM Modi would be conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his global leadership and efforts to deepen ties between the two nations.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, PM Modi thanked the people and leadership of Trinidad and Tobago for the honour. He highlighted the special significance of his visit, which coincides with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in the Caribbean.
In his address, the Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora for their resilience, cultural richness, and their role in shaping modern Trinidad and Tobago. “You are not just defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by success, service, and values,” he said, adding with humour, “There must be something magical in the doubles and dal poori because you’ve doubled the success of this great nation.”
As a major announcement, PM Modi declared that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will now be issued to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago — a move that was met with thunderous applause. He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya community, with plans to document their history and hold regular world conferences.
PM Modi touched on India’s rapid growth in sectors such as infrastructure, digital payments, space, and innovation. He noted that India is the fastest-growing major economy and will soon be among the top three economies in the world. He also highlighted key national missions in AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing, positioning them as engines of India’s future growth.
The Prime Minister announced that India’s UPI digital payment system will be adopted in Trinidad and Tobago, making financial transactions seamless and quicker — “ faster than West Indies bowling,” he said.
PM Modi presented a symbolic replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and sacred water from the Sarayu River and the Maha Kumbh to Kamla Persad-Bissessar, reflecting strong spiritual and cultural bonds between the two nations.
The event concluded with a grand cultural showcase by artists from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and local organisations, celebrating the deep-rooted India-Trinidad and Tobago connection.
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