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Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and energetic welcome in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday as he landed for his first official trip to the Caribbean island. Featuring as the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999, PM Modi was greeted with a ceremonial Guard of Honour and treated to traditional cultural entertainment, including a moving performance of the Bhojpuri Chautaal. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, PM Modi shared a video of the performance and wrote, “A cultural connect like no other! Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connect between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar is noteworthy.” The performance symbolised the deep-rooted cultural bonds that continue to link India and the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation.

On his arrival at Trinidad and Tobago's Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, 38 ministers, and four Members of Parliament. He was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour and was welcomed by Indian mythology-dressed cultural performers, symbolizing the colourful Indian culture flourishing in the island nation. At his hotel, the Indian community extended a grand welcome with chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Modi, Modi’. An orchestra and devotional bhajans added to the celebratory atmosphere, underscoring the community’s enduring ties with India.

In his engagement with the Indian community, PM Modi complimented their work towards the development of Trinidad and Tobago. "Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they distinguished themselves in several fields and are enriching Trinidad & Tobago’s development journey. At the same time, they have retained a connection with India and are also passionate about Indian culture. Grateful to the local Indian community for an unforgettable welcome in Port of Spain," said the Prime Minister in an emotional post on X. PM Modi also congratulated Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj, and Vince Mahato, triumphant winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad and Tobago. Stressing the significance of such endeavors, he said that the quiz has strengthened the bond between the Indian diaspora and their homeland.

Bilateral Discussions To Enhance Historic Relations

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of his five-nation tour aimed at bolstering India’s global partnerships. During his stay, he will hold bilateral talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, education, culture, and people-to-people ties. PM Modi is also set to speak at a Joint Sitting of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, the first Indian Prime Minister in more than two decades to do so. In the afternoon, he will visit a community event at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva, where he is poised to make additional announcements to encourage bilateral interaction.

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Before reaching Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi called on Ghana, where India and Ghana upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive partnership. He will then proceed from Trinidad and Tobago to Argentina (July 4–5), Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit, and lastly to Namibia, extending a major outreach to Latin American and African countries. In a pre-Trinidad and Tobago social media post, PM Modi stated he was looking forward to "strengthening ties with an important friend in the Caribbean, with whom we have very ancient cultural connectivities."

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Wrapping up his address to the Indian community and the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi stated, "May the India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship go from strength to strength in the times ahead!" The visit is generally regarded as a new push to rejuvenate India's age-old ties with the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean, which is still one of the largest and most thriving overseas Indian communities in the world.