Latest news with #Mahajanpads
India Gazette
10 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Humbled to be first Indian PM to speak at iconic Red House": PM Modi on addressing Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the Joint Assembly of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago during his official visit to the Caribbean nation, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so from the iconic Red House in Port of Spain. Reflecting on his itinerary, the Prime Minister added, 'I also bring warm wishes from the people of Ghana, the country I visited just before arriving here. I am humbled to be the first Indian Prime Minister to speak to you in this iconic Red House.' Beginning his address, PM Modi said, 'Your Excellency Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Honourable President of this Senate Wade Mark, Honourable Speaker Jagdeo Singh, Honourable Speakers, distinguished Members of Parliament -- Namaskar. Good morning. I am deeply honoured to stand before you, the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation.' He reiterated, 'I am deeply honoured to stand before you, the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation.' He then highlighted the historical importance of the venue, stating, 'This historic red building has seen struggles and sacrifices of the people of Trinidad and Tobago for freedom and dignity.' Drawing on shared democratic values, PM Modi noted, 'The people of this great nation have chosen two remarkable women leaders -- the President and the Prime Minister. They proudly call themselves daughters of the Indian diaspora. They take pride in their Indian heritage... Both of our nations rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our own stories with courage, as our ink and democracy as pen...' Underscoring the cultural and political bonds between the two countries, PM Modi further remarked, 'For us, Indians, democracy is not just a political model but a way of life. We have a rich heritage spanning thousands of years. Many of the parliamentarians here have their ancestors from Bihar, which was a home to Mahajanpads - ancient republics...' PM Modi's remarks at the Joint Assembly celebrated the deep-rooted ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago and underscored shared democratic values, historical experiences, and the contributions of the Indian diaspora. Prime Minister Modi was conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) on Friday, the highest civilian award of the nation, becoming the first foreign leader ever to receive the honour. This marks the 25th international award conferred on PM Modi by a foreign country. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. The Prime Minister shared a video of the warm welcome on the social media platform X, writing: 'May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain.' The footage showed cultural performances, traditional music, and a vibrant welcome from the local Indian diaspora. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian community who had gathered at the airport, expressing his gratitude for their heartfelt reception. His visit to Trinidad and Tobago is the second leg of a five-nation tour from July 2 to July 9, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, healthcare, and information technology. This visit marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999 and PM Modi's first visit to the country in his current role. Following his engagements in Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. He will attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Brazil from July 5 to July 8 before concluding his tour with a state visit to Namibia. (ANI)
India Today
15 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
We cheer for West Indies, except vs India, PM quips in Trinidad and Tobago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a joint assembly of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament on his address to the joint assembly of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament, he struck a chord with a light-hearted remark on cricket, saying, 'I must say, Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team. We cheer for them with all our heart, except when they are playing against India.'The comment drew smiles and applause as PM Modi used cricket to reflect the warm ties between the two PM also highlighted the historical, cultural, and democratic ties between the two nations, while also appreciating the vibrant Indian diaspora's contributions to the Caribbean his speech, Prime Minister Modi drew attention to the role of the Indian community in shaping Trinidad and Tobago's political and cultural landscape."180 years ago, the first Indians arrived on this land after a long and hard journey, oceans away. The Indian beats blended beautifully with the Caribbean rhythm. From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce - they contribute to every field,' he Modi praised the leadership of Trinidad and Tobago for empowering women, especially by electing two women leaders to the country's highest offices. 'The people of this great nation have chosen two remarkable women leaders - the President and the Prime Minister. They proudly called themselves daughters of the Indian diaspora. They take pride in their Indian heritage. Both of our nations rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our own stories with courage, as our ink and democracy as pen...' he also acknowledged the significant representation of women in the Trinidadian Parliament. 'I'm delighted to see so many women members in this house. Respect for women is deeply rooted in Indian culture. One of our important holy texts, the Skanda Purana, says that one daughter brings as much happiness as ten sons. We are strengthening the hands of women to build our modern India. From space to sports, startups to science, education to enterprise, aviation to armed forces - they are leading India to a new future in various domains.'Emphasising the deep-rooted democratic values of both nations, the Prime Minister said, 'For us, Indians, democracy is not just a political model but a way of life. We have a rich heritage spanning thousands of years. Many of the parliamentarians here have their ancestors from Bihar, which was a home to the Mahajanpads - ancient republics.'- EndsTrending Reel IN THIS STORY#Narendra Modi
Mint
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
PM Modi addresses Trinidad and Tobago Parliament on democracy, terrorism, role of women, cricket, more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the joint Assembly of Trinidad and Tobago parliament on Friday during his two-day visit to the Caribbean nation. He also received the 'Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago', the first foreign leader to be honoured with the prestigious award. During his address, PM Modi spoke about democracy, India's growth, bilateral ties, the importance of women's empowerment, and the deep ties with the Indian diaspora. PM Modi emphasised that democracy for Indians is a way of life rooted in a rich heritage. He noted the ancestral ties of many parliamentarians to Bihar, known for its ancient republics. 'For us, Indians, democracy is not just a political model but a way of life. We have a rich heritage spanning thousands of years. Many of the parliamentarians here have their ancestors from Bihar, which was a home to Mahajanpads - ancient republics,' PM Modi noted. Emphasising India's growth and priorities, PM Modi was quoted by ANI saying, "India is the fastest growing major economy in the world.. We see our development also as our responsibility towards others, and our priority will always be the Global South..." PM Modi reiterated the need to stand against terrorism. 'We must stand united to deny terrorism any shelter or space.' His statement comes months after the deadly Pahlagam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives. In a speech to Trinidad and Tobago's parliament, PM Modi emphasises the importance of women and underscores their significant contributions to India's development in diverse fields, reinforcing the cultural respect for women in India. PM Modi said, 'I'm delighted to see so many women members in this house. Respect for women is deeply rooted in Indian culture. One of our important holy texts, the Skanda Purana, says that one daughter brings as much happiness as ten sons.' He further added, 'We are strengthening the hands of women to build our modern India. From space to sports, startups to science, education to enterprise, aviation to armed forces - they are leading India to a new future in various domains.' PM Modi expresses that Indians are passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team, supporting them wholeheartedly except during matches against India. 'I must say, Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team. We cheer for them with all our heart, except when they are playing against India,' PM Modi said. Addressing the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago's parliament, PM Modi said, "180 years ago, the first Indians arrived on this land after a long and hard journey, oceans away. The Indian beats blended beautifully with the Caribbean rhythm... From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce—they contribute to every field..."
