PM Narendra Modi’s Historic Visit to Trinidad & Tobago: Celebrating Heritage and Strengthening Ties
- MGMMTeam
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
In July 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant two-day visit to Trinidad & Tobago, marking his first official trip to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit was notable not only for its diplomatic importance but also for its deep cultural resonance, celebrating the enduring bonds between India and its diaspora in the Caribbean.
A Warm Welcome Rooted in Shared Culture
Upon arrival at Piarco International Airport, Prime Minister Modi was greeted with a ceremonial Guard of Honour, accompanied by the host, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, her cabinet members, and other dignitaries. A striking highlight of the welcome was a vibrant Bhojpuri Chautaal musical performance—a traditional folk art from Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. This choice of cultural greeting symbolized the historical and emotional connections between the Indo-Trinidadian community and their ancestral homeland in India’s eastern heartland.
The cultural undertones of the reception resonated strongly with both leaders and the diaspora, underscoring the profound ties that extend beyond geography and time.
Honouring Ancestral Roots: “Bihar Ki Beti”
Prime Minister Modi’s visit also spotlighted the remarkable story of Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the first woman Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago. Modi affectionately referred to her as “Bihar ki Beti” (daughter of Bihar), paying tribute to her familial origins in Bhelupur village, Buxar district of Bihar. Persad-Bissessar’s great-grandfather had migrated to Trinidad under the British indenture system during the 19th century, and she herself had visited her ancestral village in 2012, an emotional pilgrimage that forged a strong bond with her Indian roots.
This recognition by Modiji was not only a personal gesture but also a public celebration of the Indo-Caribbean community’s history, perseverance, and contribution to both their adopted and ancestral homelands.
Expanding Opportunities: OCI Cards to Sixth Generation
A significant announcement during the visit was Modiji’s decision to extend the eligibility for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to the sixth generation of Indian-origin families in Trinidad & Tobago. This policy change was welcomed warmly by the diaspora, as it facilitates easier travel, greater engagement, and a strengthened sense of belonging with India.
Modiji emphasized that the diaspora is “connected by belonging,” encouraging descendants of indentured laborers to rediscover and embrace their Indian heritage. This extension reflects India’s broader diaspora outreach strategy, recognizing the evolving nature of identity and the importance of inclusive policies to maintain strong transnational bonds.
Deepening Diplomatic and Economic Relations
Beyond cultural and diaspora-focused initiatives, the visit also marked a step forward in bilateral cooperation. Both nations expressed intentions to enhance partnerships in areas including energy, health, technology, digital payments, and defense. Notably, India’s expertise in digital payment platforms like UPI was positioned as a key area for collaboration, promising to bring new financial technologies to the Caribbean market.
Such strategic cooperation aligns with India’s broader vision of engaging with small island nations and expanding its influence in the global south, while providing tangible benefits to partner countries.
Mixed Reactions and Complex Diplomacy
While the visit was widely celebrated, especially within the Indo-Trinidadian community, it also drew mixed responses. The announcement that Modiji would receive Trinidad & Tobago’s highest civilian honour—the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago—was met with some criticism from the nation’s Muslim organizations. These groups expressed concerns over Modi’s past policies and record concerning religious minorities in India.
This divergence of opinion highlights the complexities inherent in diaspora diplomacy, where domestic political realities and diaspora perceptions can sometimes be at odds.
The Symbolism of a Shared Journey
Throughout the visit, Modiji repeatedly invoked the legacy of the indentured laborers who journeyed from India to the Caribbean centuries ago. He remarked on how they “left the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts,” framing their migration not merely as a physical movement but as a transmission of a rich civilizational heritage.
This poetic framing serves to remind both India and its diaspora that cultural identity and historical memory remain potent forces in shaping global connections.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in India-Caribbean Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Trinidad & Tobago was more than a diplomatic engagement; it was a celebration of shared history, culture, and identity. By honouring ancestral roots, expanding opportunities for diaspora engagement, and committing to deepen bilateral cooperation, this visit opens a promising new chapter in the relationship between India and the Caribbean.
As the Indo-Trinidadian community continues to thrive, bridging continents and cultures, India’s recognition and inclusion of this diaspora signal a future rich with collaboration, mutual respect, and enduring friendship.
(Sources: Firstpost, India Today, TOI)
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