Minister Sudhangshu Das attends Voluntary Blood Donation Camp
PM Modi in Trinidad and Tobago: Indian Diaspora are messengers of a Timeless Civilization
Jul 04, 2025Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a vibrant gathering of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, described the community’s journey as one marked by courage, resilience, and deep-rooted cultural pride. Speaking on Friday morning during his historic visit, PM Modi said the ancestors of the Indian community were not merely migrants but "messengers of a timeless civilization."
“Your forefathers may have left behind the Ganga and Yamuna, but they carried the Ramayana in their hearts,” said the Prime Minister, highlighting the enduring cultural and spiritual bonds between India and its diaspora.
In a significant announcement, Prime Minister Modi declared that citizens of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, granting them the right to live and work in India without restrictions. He encouraged members of the community to reconnect with their ancestral roots and strengthen their ties with India.
The Prime Minister also presented a replica of the Ram Mandir and holy water from the Sarayu River in Ayodhya as a symbol of shared heritage and cultural continuity. He acknowledged the community’s earlier contribution to the temple’s construction through the sending of sacred stones (shilas) and water, reflecting their enduring spiritual connection to India.
PM Modi praised the Indian diaspora for preserving Indian traditions, language, and values across generations in the Caribbean nation. “You are playing a crucial role not only in enriching Trinidad and Tobago but also in carrying forward India’s civilisational legacy,” he said.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Trinidad and Tobago and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since 1999. Upon his arrival in Port of Spain on Thursday night, he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and a grand cultural welcome. In a special gesture, he was received at the airport by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, members of her Cabinet, and other dignitaries.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister reflected on the Indian migration to Trinidad and Tobago, noting how people from India, over generations, have excelled in various fields and significantly contributed to the country's development journey.
During his two-day stay, PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, aimed at deepening cooperation between the two nations.
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