Port of Spain/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with exceptional warmth by the Indian diaspora and given a colorful traditional Indo-Trinidadian welcome on his arrival here.
PM Modi reached Trinidad and Tobago late on Thursday night marking the start of the second leg of his five-nation tour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome as the Indian diaspora presented a folk programme upon his arrival, marking the second leg of his five-nation tour. He also met members of the Indian community and praised their contributions to the country's development during his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago.
As the Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, arrived at Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, he was greeted with a traditional performance of Bhojpuri Chautaal, an expressive folk music form from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The performance highlighted the cultural ties between the Caribbean nation and India, especially through the Indian diaspora that has kept its cultural roots alive.
PM Modi shared his appreciation for the performance by posting on X, "A cultural connection like no other! Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connection between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar, is noteworthy."
He further wrote, "Bhojpuri Chautaal echoes in Trinidad & Tobago!".
Applauding the contribution of the Indian community to the country's development, PM Modi highlighted that the diaspora had not only achieved success in various fields but also remained deeply connected to Indian culture.
This visit is particularly significant, as it marks Modi's first official trip to the Caribbean nation since becoming Prime Minister. It is also the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.
In a special gesture symbolizing the close ties between the two countries, PM Modi was warmly received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and several members of her Cabinet at the airport. He was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and welcomed with more cultural performances.
PM Modi also addressed a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Members of her Cabinet, Members of Parliament and several other dignitaries.
At the event, Prime Minister was greeted with exceptional warmth by the diaspora and given a colorful traditional Indo-Trinidadian welcome.
In his statement, PM Modi expressed gratitude saying, "Landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, distinguished members of the Cabinet, and MPs for the warm welcome at the airport."
PM Modi also spoke about the deep historical ties between the two nations, noting, "Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s ancestors hailed from Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited the village. People consider her a daughter of Bihar."
The Prime Minister also shared a symbolic moment when he spoke of bringing water from this year's Mahakumbh, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, to offer to the Ganga River in Trinidad.
