PM Modi Receives Grand Welcome in Trinidad & Tobago, Rekindles Deep-rooted Indian Ties

On his historic visit to the Caribbean nation, PM Modi is welcomed with cultural fervour, acknowledges contributions of Indian diaspora, and vows to deepen India–T&T relations

Port of Spain : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday to a grand and emotionally charged welcome by the Indian diaspora, marking the second leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour. His arrival was greeted by enthusiastic crowds, traditional Indian music, and vibrant cultural performances, all reflecting the strong ancestral and cultural ties between India and the Caribbean nation.

Expressing his gratitude for the heartwarming reception, Prime Minister Modi posted on social media: “Grateful to the local Indian community for an unforgettable welcome in Port of Spain. Their passion for Indian culture and commitment to Trinidad & Tobago’s progress is truly inspiring.”

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) echoed this sentiment in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The Indian community in Trinidad & Tobago extended a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi. Their enthusiasm reflected the deep-rooted cultural ties and shared heritage between the two nations.”

Modi’s visit is historically significant — his first as Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago, and the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level since 1999. His arrival was met at the Piarco International Airport by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, dressed in traditional Indian attire, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament, who were present for the ceremonial reception. A guard of honour and cultural depictions of Indian mythology formed part of the welcoming event, underscoring the spiritual and cultural bonds that connect the two nations.

Upon reaching his hotel, Modi was greeted by members of the Indian diaspora chanting slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Modi, Modi’. Traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal music and orchestral arrangements set a celebratory tone as the community marked a historic moment for Indian-Trinidadian relations.

In a message posted online, Modi said, “May the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago continue to scale new heights in the times to come.”

A Historic Bond of 180 Years

The timing of Modi’s visit holds special significance — 2025 marks 180 years since the arrival of Indian immigrants to Trinidad and Tobago. Many among the diaspora are descendants of indentured labourers who began arriving in the Caribbean in 1845. Today, the Indian community makes up nearly 40–45% of the total population of 1.36 million in the twin-island nation, and continues to serve as a bridge of cultural and emotional connection between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with the diaspora and his scheduled address to the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday are seen as symbolic gestures of India’s respect for this historic connection and shared democratic values.

“This is not just a diplomatic event, but a reaffirmation of India’s age-old bonds with the Caribbean,” said Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) at the Ministry of External Affairs. “The Speaker’s chair in the Parliament has been a gift from India — a reminder of our shared parliamentary values.”

Deepening Strategic Ties

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, both of whom are of Indian descent and proudly refer to themselves as “daughters of India.”

The discussions are expected to cover a wide array of topics — from economic cooperation and energy security to digital transformation, healthcare, education, agriculture, and cultural exchanges. The two countries aim to further broaden ties in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, public infrastructure, innovation, and disaster management.

The MEA underscored the significance of this visit, pointing out that it is also an opportunity to strengthen India’s growing partnership with CARICOM, the Caribbean community of nations. “The Prime Minister’s recent visit to Guyana in November 2024 and now to Trinidad and Tobago shows the importance India attaches to Caribbean partners,” Malhotra added.

At the 2nd India–CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana, held last year, Modi had emphasized India’s support for the Global South and pledged to amplify their concerns on the global stage. There, he also praised Trinidad and Tobago for adopting India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) — a milestone in digital financial cooperation.

Cultural Resonance and Shared Values

President Kangaloo, who was this year’s Chief Guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and PM Persad-Bissessar, a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee, have both played pivotal roles in nurturing the India–T&T relationship. Their presence during this visit reinforces the shared cultural ethos that continues to define bilateral ties.

In his address, Modi is expected to celebrate the contributions of Indian-origin citizens to Trinidad and Tobago’s development. Many have excelled in politics, arts, education, science, and business, while simultaneously preserving Indian traditions, languages, and customs. “They have retained a connection with India and are passionate about Indian culture,” Modi noted in his social media message.

The MEA has confirmed that a large-scale diaspora interaction event is being planned in Port of Spain, where Modi will directly connect with community leaders, youth, and cultural ambassadors.

A Broader Diplomatic Agenda

PM Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago follows his successful two-day visit to Ghana, where he addressed Parliament and was honoured with the “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana” — one of the country’s highest civilian awards. He dedicated the honour to the “enduring friendship and shared values between India and Ghana.”

In his post from Accra before departing, Modi wrote: “Leaving for Trinidad & Tobago. Later this evening, I look forward to attending a community programme in Port of Spain. Tomorrow, will be addressing the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. Looking forward to deepening ties with a valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share very old cultural linkages.”

After his engagements in Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi will continue his tour with visits to Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, with a focus on enhancing India’s global partnerships and extending its diplomatic outreach to key partners in the Global South.

Symbolism and Strategy

PM Modi’s arrival in Trinidad and Tobago is far more than a ceremonial event — it is a carefully calibrated diplomatic move that combines cultural outreach, economic diplomacy, and strategic vision. It underlines India’s global leadership ambitions while honouring age-old bonds with distant nations connected by history, migration, and mutual respect.

This visit, as analysts observe, not only rejuvenates ties with Trinidad and Tobago but reaffirms India’s commitment to the diaspora as a powerful partner in diplomacy. It also showcases Modi’s broader mission of aligning India’s global narrative with the aspirations of communities that have long carried Indian traditions in distant lands.

The visit, laden with emotional resonance, ceremonial grandeur, and strategic substance, marks a new chapter in India–Caribbean relations, one that is expected to leave a lasting imprint on regional diplomacy and diaspora engagement.

As PM Modi continues his journey across continents, Trinidad and Tobago will remember his visit as a moment of shared pride, cultural celebration, and renewed friendship.