Indian PM Narendra Modi was welcomed in Trinidad and Tobago with a traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal performance on Thursday.

This was the first official visit of the Indian PM to the Caribbean nation.

Sharing the video of the performance on his X handle, Modi wrote, "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."

During his visit, Modi met the Indian community members in the country and appreciated them retaining their passion for the Indian culture.

He said: "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."

Modi also shared images of his meeting with Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who won the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago.

Ayodhya Ram Temple

During his meeting, Modi presented a replica of the Ayodhya Ram Temple to  Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

He also presented her with the holy water from the Saryu river as well as from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj.

"They symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad & Tobago," Modi wrote on X.

Modi Addresses Indian Diaspora

Modi addressed a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Members of her Cabinet, Members of Parliament and several other dignitaries.

At the event, the Prime Minister was greeted with exceptional warmth by the diaspora and given a colorful traditional Indo-Trinidadian welcome.

Highest National Award

Welcoming Prime Minister Modi at the event, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar announced that Trinidad & Tobago would be conferring their highest National Award, "The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago” on him.

The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to her and the people of Trinidad & Tobago for this honour.

In his address, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her warmth and for her contribution to strengthening the vibrant and special ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi underlined that his historic visit to T&T at a time when the nation is celebrating 180 years of the first arrival of Indian immigrants on its shores made it even more special.

Prime Minister Modi praised the Indian diaspora for their resilience, cultural richness and their immense contribution to Trinidad & Tobago.

The Prime Minister appreciated that the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago continues to preserve and nurture its Indian cultural roots and traditions.

To further strengthen these bondsthe , Prime Minister announced that OCI cards would now be issued to the 6th generation of the people of Indian origin in Trinidad & Tobago.

The Prime Minister also underscored that the Government of India would be supporting several initiatives to nurture the Girmitiya legacy.

The Prime Minister outlined India’s rapid development and transformation in the fields of infrastructure, digital technologies, manufacturing, green pathways, space, innovation and start-ups.

He highlighted that in the last one-decade India has made significant strides in promoting inclusive growth with over 250 million people lifted out of extreme poverty.

Highlighting various aspects of India’s growth story, he noted that the country would soon be among the top three economies in the world.

The Prime Minister stressed that National Missions on AI, Semiconductor and Quantum Computing were becoming new engines of the country’s growth.

Underlining the success of UPI-based digital payments in India, he expressed optimism that its adoption in Trinidad & Tobago would be equally encouraging.

Reflecting on India’s age-old philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam , meaning the world is one family, vividly demonstrated during the Covid pandemic, he offered continued support to T&T in its pursuit of progress and nation-making.

The grand event, attended by over 4000 people, featured a captivating cultural programme performed by the artists from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and other organisations.