Port of Spain, July 4 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a landmark visit to Trinidad and Tobago, paid tribute to the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation, calling their journey one of “courage and resilience.” Addressing a packed community event at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva on Thursday, Modi highlighted the enduring contributions of the Indian-origin population, describing them as ambassadors of India’s rich cultural heritage.
“The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence,” Modi said, praising the perseverance of indentured labourers who arrived in the Caribbean over a century ago.
Modi, who landed in Port of Spain earlier in the day, received a ceremonial welcome at Piarco International Airport by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her cabinet members. This marks the first Indian prime ministerial visit to Trinidad and Tobago in over two decades, and Modi’s first ever.
Trinidad and Tobago, home to approximately 1.3 million people, has a significant Indian-origin population — around 45% of the total. Many are descendants of Girmitiyas, indentured labourers brought from India during British colonial rule to work on sugar plantations.
“They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts,” Modi said, lauding their role as messengers of a “timeless civilisation.”
In a heartfelt message on social media following the event, Modi wrote: “The community programme in Port of Spain was spectacular. The energy and warmth of the people made it truly unforgettable. Our cultural bonds shine brightly!”
The Prime Minister emphasized that Indian-origin citizens have enriched Trinidad and Tobago “culturally, economically, and spiritually,” citing prominent leaders of Indian descent such as President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as examples of how the diaspora has moved from “struggle to success.”
He also announced that efforts are underway to build a global database of the Girmitiya community, a step towards preserving their legacy.
“Our bonds go well beyond geography and generations,” Modi said. “The Indian diaspora is our pride. Each one of you is a Rashtradoot — an ambassador of India’s values, culture, and heritage.”
During his visit, Modi will be conferred with the Order of Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contributions to global diplomacy and the diaspora.
In the coming days, he will hold high-level talks with President Kangaloo and PM Persad-Bissessar to deepen bilateral ties. He is also expected to address a Joint Session of Parliament, with the goal of strengthening cooperation across sectors including trade, technology, and culture.
Outside the official engagements, the local Indian community gave Modi a rousing welcome with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and traditional music performances, including Bhojpuri Chautaal rhythms.
“Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they have enriched this nation while keeping alive their deep ties to Indian culture,” Modi said in a statement on X.
Modi’s Caribbean stop comes during a broader five-nation diplomatic tour. He arrived in Trinidad and Tobago from Ghana, where bilateral ties were elevated to a comprehensive partnership. Next, he will travel to Argentina and Brazil — where he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit — before concluding his journey in Namibia.
“May the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago continue to scale new heights in the times to come,” Modi wrote on social media, sharing images of the vibrant welcome.
The visit is widely seen as a pivotal moment in re-energising India’s outreach to the global Indian diaspora and expanding influence in Latin America and the Caribbean.
