PM Modi in Trinidad & Tobago: Indian Diaspora is Our Pride and Cultural Strength
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a grand community event during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago,
prativad 
04 July 2025 | Port of Spain |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a grand community event during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, where he was warmly welcomed by a large gathering of people of Indian origin. In his address, PM Modi acknowledged the brave and inspiring journey of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation and their continued efforts to preserve cultural roots.
“The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is filled with courage and commitment. You have kept your traditions and heritage alive across generations,” said the Prime Minister.
"Return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya a Historic Moment for the World"
Recalling the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya after 500 years, PM Modi expressed confidence that the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago celebrated this event with immense joy and pride.
Sixth Generation to Receive OCI Cards
In a major announcement, Prime Minister Modi declared that the sixth generation of people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago will now be eligible for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards. This announcement was received with thunderous applause and deep appreciation from the community.
Honouring the Girmitya Heritage
Reaffirming his commitment to the Indian diaspora, PM Modi stated,
“Our diaspora is our pride. On Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitya community around the world.”
He further assured continued support from the Indian government in preserving and celebrating Girmitya heritage globally.
Trinidad & Tobago to Confer Highest Civilian Honour on PM Modi
During the event, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced that her government would confer the “Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” the country’s highest civilian award, on PM Modi. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for this honour and called it a symbol of the deep and special relationship between the two nations.
India's Rapid Progress Highlighted
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's rapid transformation in sectors like infrastructure, digital technology, green energy, innovation, manufacturing, space research, and start-ups. He noted that:
“In the last decade, India has lifted over 250 million people out of extreme poverty. Our inclusive development journey is gaining global recognition.”
He added that India is on track to become one of the top three global economies soon.
UPI: A Model for the World
PM Modi mentioned the global success of India’s UPI-based digital payment system, expressing hope that Trinidad and Tobago would adopt it with equal enthusiasm, strengthening financial inclusion and ease of business.
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – India’s Eternal Message
Citing India’s ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), PM Modi said that this ideal was exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic and offered India’s continued support in Trinidad and Tobago’s development journey.
Over 4,000 People Attend Cultural Celebration
The grand community event witnessed the presence of over 4,000 attendees, featuring vibrant cultural performances by artists from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and other local organizations. The colourful event reflected the enduring bond between India and its diaspora.
