Port of Spain, July 4(Newshub Desk): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a stirring address during his historic two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, praised the indomitable spirit and cultural resilience of the Indian-origin diaspora, descendants of the Girmitiyas—indentured laborers who arrived in the Caribbean under British rule.
Speaking at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva, Modi hailed the diaspora as “Rashtradoots”—ambassadors of Indian civilization—who, despite leaving behind their homeland, preserved its spirit and values. “Your ancestors left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts,” he remarked, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
The visit marked the first bilateral engagement by an Indian PM in Trinidad since 1999. A grand cultural event in Port of Spain set the tone for deeper diplomatic and cultural ties.
PM Modi will also be conferred The Order of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation’s highest civilian honour, for his commitment to global diaspora engagement.
Modi reaffirmed India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse and announced plans for a global Girmitiya database to preserve historical narratives.
He is also scheduled to address a joint session of Trinidad’s Parliament and engage in strategic dialogues with the country’s leadership.
The emotionally charged visit underscores India’s growing outreach to diaspora communities and its intent to strengthen bonds rooted in history, culture, and shared futures.
