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In a historic milestone for India-Caribbean relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a majestic and warm welcome upon his arrival at Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain on Thursday, the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago after 1999. The arrival of Prime Minister Modi was greeted by a fervent ceremonial Guard of Honour, traditional cultural dances by performers attired in costumes reflective of Indian mythology, and the soulful sounds of the Bhojpuri Chautaal, a folk tradition resonating the ancient memories of generations of Indo-Trinidadians.

Stepping onto the Caribbean island nation for the first time as India’s head of government, PM Modi was received personally by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament. His convoy proceeded to the hotel where hundreds from the local Indian community had gathered to greet him with resounding chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Modi, Modi! ’. An orchestra and soulful bhajans created an atmosphere reminiscent of an Indian festive gathering, symbolising the enduring spiritual and cultural bond that connects India with its diaspora across the ocean.

Roots Deep In Culture Honored with Symbolic Gesture

Highlighting the enduring connections between India and the Indian-origin population of Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi had with him a model of the Ram Mandir and water from the revered Sarayu River in Ayodhya. The move was an ode to the deep faith and cultural practices the Girmitiya people have held for so long. Speaking to a huge crowd of people of Indian origin, PM Modi informed that he was moved to be among offspring of those who not only carry memories but whole civilisational values across continents. Addressing the event, PM Modi said, "I am aware of your deep faith in Prabhu Shri Ram... Ram Leelas here are truly unique... Ramcharitmanas says that the Holy City of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is praised across the world. I am sure that all of you welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years... You had sent Holy water and 'Shila' for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. It is my honour to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the Holy Sarayu..."

Historic OCI Card Extension Announced For Sixth-Generation Indian Diaspora

In perhaps the most important announcement in his address to the Indian community, PM Modi announced that Indian origin citizens in Trinidad and Tobago up to the sixth generation would now be able to receive Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. This will permit the descendants of the early Indian indentured workers to reside, work, and study in India without any hindrance. "Today, I'm happy to announce that the OCI cards will be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. We aren't just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India welcomes, and India embraces you!" PM Modi remarked, exhorting the community to go to their ancestral villages, reconnect with the land of their ancestors, and feel India beyond social media and virtual connections. "Bring your children and neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys ‘chai’ and a good story. We will welcome you with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi," the Prime Minister joked, bringing laughter and applause from the crowd.

Trinidad & Tobago Becomes First Caribbean Country to Adopt India's UPI

Emphasizing India's resolve to deepen technological collaboration with partner countries, PM Modi hailed Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first Caribbean country to implement India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The implementation of the UPI platform will facilitate quick, secure, and easy digital payments for the Indian diaspora and the local population. "I congratulate Trinidad and Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now, sending money will be as easy as sending a Good Morning text message. I promise it will be faster than the bowling of the West Indies," the Prime Minister declared.

A Tribute To The Resilience Of The Girmitiya Community

In a moving tribute to the ancient struggles and successes of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi hailed their strength and resilience of their cultural will. He also recognized the difficulties the indentured laborers, the Girmitiyas, underwent as they were brought into British colonies in the 19th and early 20th centuries under difficult and exploitative circumstances. "When I last visited 25 years ago... between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger. Banaras, Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi may be cities in India, but there are also names of streets here. Navaratra, Mahashivratri, and Janmashtami are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chautal and Bhaitak gana continue to thrive here. I can see the warmth of many familiar faces here. I see curiosity in the bright eyes of the younger generation, keen to know and grow together. Our bonds go well beyond geography and generations..."

Praising the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, he said, "They left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried Ramayana in their heart. They left their soil but not their soul. They were not just migrants, they were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contribution has benefited this country culturally, economically and spiritually." PM Modi stated, further adding that the Indo-Trinidadian community's journey is one of courage, hope and determination. Calling the Indian diaspora "our pride," PM Modi said, "As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot, an Ambassador of India's values, culture and heritage."

Commemorating Bihar's Heritage and Kamla Persad-Bissessar's Roots

The Prime Minister also remembered the ancestral homeland of most Indo-Trinidadians, the state from which a majority of indentured laborers had emigrated. PM Modi spoke of Bihar's historic contribution to world democratic thought, tertiary education, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

Referring to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s visit to her ancestral village Bhelupur in Buxar district in Bihar, PM Modi called her ‘Bihar ki Beti’ (Daughter of Bihar) and noted how the emotional bonds of the diaspora are timeless. He requested Persad-Bissessar to offer holy water from India’s Mahakumbh and the Sarayu River to the Ganga Dhara in the Caribbean, symbolising a spiritual reunion across continents. "Prime Minister Kamala ji's ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a 'Bihar ki Beti' (daughter of Bihar). Many people present here have ancestors who came from Bihar itself. Bihar's heritage is a matter of pride not only for India but for the entire world. Be it democracy, politics, diplomacy, or higher education, centuries ago, Bihar showed the world new directions in many such fields. I am confident that even for the 21st-century world, new inspirations and opportunities will emerge from the land of Bihar," he stated.

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Delineating India's Growth Story And Space Successes

PM Modi’s speech also underlined India’s rapid rise as a global economic and technological power. He pointed out that India is now the fastest-growing major economy and has lifted more than 250 million people out of extreme poverty in the last decade, as noted by the World Bank. He lauded India’s youth for driving innovation in startups, AI, semiconductors, and digital payments, making India a global hub for cutting-edge technology. "India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies of the world. The fruits of India's growth and progress are reaching the most needy. India has proved that we can defeat poverty by empowering the poor... The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India's growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth," he said. The Prime Minister also spoke about India's recent strides in space exploration, including the Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission, the Axiom-4 mission, and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

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"I am sure everyone amongst you feels proud when India grows. For the New India, even the sky is not the limit. All of you must have cheered when India's Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon. We named the place where it landed as 'Shiv Shakti point'. An Indian astronaut is onboard the International Space Station as we speak. We are now working on a manned space mission, 'Gaganyaan'. Soon, an Indian will walk on the moon, and India will have its own space station... We don't just count the stars, we try to reach them by mission like the 'Aaditya' mission... The moon is not far from us... India's achievements in space are not just ours, we are sharing its fruits with the rest of the world," PM Modi said.