A Momentous Chapter: Strengthening India-Trinidad Partnership Through Historic Visit

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – In a significant diplomatic stride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India concluded a landmark state visit to Trinidad and Tobago on July 4, 2025, marking the first such bilateral engagement by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999. The visit, characterized by warmth, cultural resonance, and a shared vision for the future, has undeniably fortified the burgeoning India-Trinidad partnership.

Upon his arrival in Port of Spain, Prime Minister Modi was greeted with exceptional hospitality by his Trinidadian counterpart, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who, in a poignant gesture reflecting the deep cultural ties, received him dressed in traditional Indian attire. Accompanied by her entire cabinet, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar extended a ceremonial Guard of Honour, followed by vibrant cultural performances that resonated with the shared heritage of both nations. The enthusiastic welcome from the large and influential Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago further underscored the profound people-to-people connections that form the bedrock of the India-Trinidad partnership.

Deepening the India-Trinidad Partnership: A Culinary and Cultural Exchange

The highlight of the visit’s initial engagements was a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Beyond diplomatic protocols, the dinner was a celebration of cultural kinship. Prime Minister Modi noted with appreciation that the food was served on Sohari leaves, a tradition of immense cultural significance, particularly for those with Indian roots in Trinidad and Tobago, often observed during festivals and special occasions. This simple yet powerful detail highlighted the enduring cultural threads that bind the two nations.

During the dinner, an exchange of symbolic gifts further cemented the spiritual and cultural bonds. Prime Minister Modi presented Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar with a replica of the revered Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, accompanied by holy water from the sacred Saryu River and from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. These gifts, as Prime Minister Modi himself articulated, symbolize the profound spiritual connection and shared values that transcend geographical boundaries, reinforcing the historical depth of the India-Trinidad partnership.

A Daughter of Bihar: Honoring Ancestral Roots in the India-Trinidad Partnership

A particularly poignant moment during Prime Minister Modi’s visit was his heartfelt acknowledgement of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s ancestral ties to India. Addressing the Indian community, Prime Minister Modi affectionately referred to her as “daughter of Bihar,” recalling her family’s roots in the Buxar district. This recognition resonated deeply, particularly given Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s own visit to her ancestral village in 2012, where she expressed a profound connection to her heritage. The narrative of indentured laborers, or Girmitiyas, who journeyed from India to Trinidad and Tobago centuries ago, forms a crucial part of this shared history. PM Modi’s announcement regarding the issuance of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to the 6th generation of people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago, along with support for initiatives to nurture the Girmitiya legacy, was met with enthusiastic applause, symbolizing India’s unwavering commitment to its global diaspora and its contribution to strengthening the India-Trinidad partnership.

Elevating the India-Trinidad Partnership: Highest Civilian Honours and Future Trajectories

In a testament to the strengthening India-Trinidad partnership, it was announced that Prime Minister Modi would be conferred “The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago,” the nation’s highest national award. This distinguished honor not only acknowledges his personal leadership but also signifies the elevated status of bilateral relations.

The visit extended beyond ceremonial exchanges, encompassing substantive discussions aimed at propelling the India-Trinidad partnership forward. Bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Christine Carla Kangaloo, alongside Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, focused on expanding cooperation across a spectrum of crucial sectors. These include robust collaboration in trade, energy, technology, cultural exchange, health, and security. Both leaders expressed a mutual desire to deepen ties, recognizing the immense potential for growth and mutual benefit. Discussions likely delved into avenues for increased investment, knowledge transfer, and joint initiatives that could bolster both economies and enhance regional stability.

The Enduring Fabric of the India-Trinidad Partnership: Diaspora and Diplomacy

The substantial Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, constituting approximately 37.6% to 42% of the population, serves as a living bridge between the two nations. Their contributions across various spheres—economic, cultural, and political—are a testament to their resilience and the enduring cultural connections they have maintained with their ancestral homeland. Prime Minister Modi, in his address to the diaspora, highlighted India’s rapid development in areas like infrastructure, digital technologies, manufacturing, and green initiatives, inviting the diaspora to be active participants in India’s growth story. He also reiterated India’s ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), emphasizing India’s readiness to support Trinidad and Tobago in its nation-building endeavors.

While the visit largely showcased the positive trajectory of the India-Trinidad partnership, it also acknowledged diverse perspectives. A Muslim organization voiced reservations concerning India’s domestic policies, reflecting the complexities inherent in international diplomacy and the varied viewpoints within a diverse society like Trinidad and Tobago.

This historic visit, coinciding with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants in Trinidad and Tobago, served as a powerful reminder of a shared past and a promising future. As Prime Minister Modi continues his broader five-nation tour, which includes Ghana, Argentina, Brazil (for the BRICS summit), and Namibia, his engagement in Trinidad and Tobago stands out as a pivotal moment in reinforcing India’s commitment to its partners in the Global South and further consolidating the vibrant India-Trinidad partnership. The foundation laid during this visit is poised to usher in a new era of enhanced cooperation and mutual prosperity for both nations.