Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his historic visit to Trinidad and Tobago with gestures of cultural and spiritual diplomacy, gifting a replica of the Ram Mandir and holy water from the Sangam and Saryu rivers to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation in 26 years, highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora and deepening bilateral cooperation.
Strengthening Cultural Bonds with Gifts of Faith
During an address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi emphasised Bihar’s historical significance and highlighted the deep-rooted connections between India and the Caribbean nation, where around 45% of the population is of Indian origin. He described Kamla Persad-Bissessar as a “daughter of Bihar,” recalling her ancestral ties to Buxar, Bihar, and her 2012 visit to her ancestral village, Bhelupur.
“You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamla ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu river and Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara here,” PM Modi said, underlining the spiritual bond between India and its diaspora communities. He encouraged the offering of the water in the Caribbean’s Ganga Dhara, symbolising the continuity of Indian traditions even thousands of kilometres away.
Prime Minister Modi also presented a replica of the Ram Mandir to Kamla Persad-Bissessar, further deepening the spiritual and cultural connect during his visit, which was held at her invitation.
Historic Visit and Warm Welcome
PM Modi’s arrival at Piarco International Airport was marked with a ceremonial Guard of Honour and a warm welcome from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, accompanied by 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament. This visit marks PM Modi’s first to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and is seen as a step forward in strengthening India’s presence and relations in the Caribbean region.
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the importance of the visit, noting that 45% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population has Indian roots, with many tracing their ancestry to Bhojpuri-speaking regions in India such as Chhapra, Ara, Ballia, Siwan, Gopalganj, Banaras, and Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
“India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the capital of this country, Trinidad and Tobago, on a historic visit. Today, he was welcomed at the airport by the Prime Minister Kamla Prasad Bissessar and her other Cabinet ministers. This visit is historic from India’s side because after 26 years, a PM-level visit is taking place. A total of 13 lakh people live in this country, out of which 45 per cent are of Indian origin,” Jaiswal said.
He noted the strong cultural and emotional bonds shared between the two nations, which have been nurtured by the shared history of migration and cultural exchange over generations.
As part of his outreach to the Indian diaspora during the visit, PM Modi praised the courage and contributions of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, acknowledging their efforts in preserving Indian traditions and values while actively contributing to the development of their adopted homeland.
PM Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago signifies not just the strengthening of diplomatic ties but also a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to nurturing its cultural and historical connections with the Indian diaspora, fostering people-to-people ties, and building on the emotional bonds that continue to connect India with its global community.
