During his historic visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian-origin community for their courage and resilience, describing their journey as one marked by perseverance and pride.
Addressing a large gathering at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva on Thursday, Modi emphasized the powerful legacy of the Girmitiyas — indentured Indian laborers who arrived in the Caribbean under British rule — and their enduring contributions to the nation’s cultural and economic fabric.
“Your ancestors left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts,” Modi said, calling them ambassadors of a timeless civilization.
He commended the diaspora for turning struggle into success, referencing notable leaders of Indian origin such as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo.
Modi described the cultural programme in Port of Spain as “spectacular” and thanked the people of Trinidad and Tobago for their warmth. He underscored that India and the Caribbean nation share ties that go beyond geography and generations, stating,
“The Indian diaspora is our pride. Each one of you is a Rashtradoot — an ambassador of India’s values, culture, and heritage.”
Looking ahead, Modi announced ongoing efforts to create a global database of the Girmitiya community and affirmed India’s place as the fastest-growing major economy.
“Soon we will be among the top three economies of the world. India is a land of opportunities — we have a lot to offer,” he said.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, who received Modi at Piarco International Airport with full ceremonial honours, confirmed that Modi would be conferred with The Order of Trinidad and Tobago — the nation’s highest civilian award — in recognition of his contributions to international diplomacy and diaspora engagement.
Modi’s visit is the first bilateral Indian prime ministerial visit to the Caribbean nation since 1999. During his two-day stay, he is expected to address a joint session of the Parliament and hold high-level talks to further deepen India–Trinidad and Tobago relations.
