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Kuwait Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Trinidad and Tobago gives top honor to Indian PM Modi
PORT OF SPAIN: Trinidad and Tobago's President Christine Kangaloo (right) awards India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), the country's highest honor, in Port of Spain on July 4, 2025. -- AFP PORT OF SPAIN: Trinidad and Tobago on Friday bestowed its highest honor on visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking to strengthen New Delhi's ties with the Caribbean and Latin America. Modi arrived Friday in the country, where more than a third of the population is of Indian descent. President Christine Carla Kangaloo gave him the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at a ceremony at President's House in St Ann's, just outside the capital Port of Spain—the first time a foreign leader was so honored. 'This honor is a symbol of the deep and eternal friendship between our two countries,' Modi said, according to an official translation. Relations between India and Trinidad and Tobago date back to 1845, when indentured Indian laborers first arrived to work on sugar and cocoa plantations under British colonial rule, following the end of slavery. Between 1845 and 1917, more than 140,000 laborers settled in the Caribbean nation. The Indian community is now the country's largest ethnic group, at 35.4 percent of the population of 1.4 million. Black Trinidadians are the second largest group at 34.2 percent. 'It is a matter of great pride that the Indian community here continues to preserve our shared traditions, culture and customs with such care and devotion,' Modi said. He called Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar 'the biggest brand ambassadors of this community.' 'Our relationship carries the excitement of cricket and the flavor of Trinidad pepper,' Modi said, calling Trinidad and Tobago a vital partner for New Delhi. 'India and Trinidad & Tobago rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our destiny of progress. Our nations stand tall as proud democracies and pillars of strength in the modern world,' Modi wrote on X. 'It's high time we all work together to give the Global South its rightful seat at the high table.' During his time in Port of Spain, Modi addressed the Trinidadian parliament and signed memorandums of understanding with Persad-Bissessar. Devant Maharaj, a former government minister and leader of the nation's largest Hindu organization, called Modi a 'hero' and hailed the visit. But Trinidad's largest Muslim organization questioned the decision to honor Modi, citing his human rights record. He will next visit Argentina and Brazil, where a BRICS summit will take place on Sunday and Monday. –AFP
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Reflects eternal, deep friendship between our countries": PM Modi after being conferred Trinidad & Tobago's highest civilian honour
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after being conferred with 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago' (ORTT), the highest national honour of the country, on Friday, described the award as a reflection of the 'eternal and deep friendship' between India and Trinidad and Tobago. In his acceptance speech at the President's House in Port of Spain, PM Modi stated that he accepted the honour on behalf of 140 crore Indians, emphasising the shared history and culture that underpin this relationship. 'This award reflects the eternal and deep friendship between our countries. I accept this honour as a collective pride on behalf of 140 crore people of India. To confer this award upon the first foreign leader reflects our deep relationship, which is based on common history and culture,' the Prime Minister stated. President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaloo, presented PM Modi with the award as he becomes the first foreign leader to be honoured with the award. This is the 25th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by any country. The Prime Minister drew a cultural connection during his speech, noting the ancestry of President Kangaloo, who presented the award. 'President Christine Kangaloo's ancestors were from the land of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Tamil Nadu. Thousands of years ago, Saint Thiruvalluvar stated that strong nations should possess six key qualities: a strong army, patriotic people, abundant resources, effective leadership, robust defence, and friendly nations that always stand together. Trinidad and Tobago is such a friendly country for India,' he said. The Prime Minister further elaborated on the multifaceted relationship, blending cultural and sporting ties with strategic cooperation between the two nations. 'There is the thrill of cricket and the spice of pepper in our relations... Deep harmony between two cultures is a great strength of our relations. As a close and trusted partner, we have been emphasising skill development and capacity building of the people of Trinidad and Tobago... Our cooperation is important for the entire Global South. As two vibrant democracies, we will continue to work together for the welfare of the people,' PM Modi stated. Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with President Kangaloo in Port of Spain. 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. PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9. The Prime Minister's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level since 1999. The Prime Minister will also be visiting Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia as part of his tour. He will be travelling to Brazil during the fourth leg of his visit, from July 5 to July 8, to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025, followed by a state visit to the South American country. (ANI)
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"We love PM Modi": Members of Indian Diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago overjoyed by PM Modi's visit
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago has drawn heartfelt reactions from members of the Indian diaspora, who expressed elation on his visit and described the event as historic. Reacting after the community event, a member of the Indian diaspora said, '...His speech was immaculate, amazing, heartwarming, beautiful, and it touched every soul in Trinidad and Tobago. We love PM are so happy to have him here with us.' Another member of Indian origin, Kamala Badri, said, '... I am a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. Today, I am very happy to be here at the welcome and cultural event for PM Modi.' Adrian, part of the Indian diaspora, remarked, 'We are very excited to welcome PM Modi to our island... We are very happy to be a part of this historic occasion...' After PM Modi's community event, Brahma Vidya Peetham, International general secretary, Sadhvi Anandamaiyee Giri praised PM Modi's speech and said that there was great applause and excitement among the people present at the event. She said that Prime Minister Modi will receive their country's highest honour, 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago' (ORTT). '...PM touched everyone's hearts with his words. He didn't leave out any subject - culture, economics, India's agriculture, he touched every was great applause and great excitement here. This was a historic day not just for this country but also for India. We are delighted and proud. Tomorrow, the President will bestow our country's highest honour, ORTT (The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago) on PM Narendra Modi...' she said. Radio personality Kristie-Marie Taj also shared her thoughts after the event, saying, '...It was such an honour and privilege for us to witness this momentous occasion, seeing the PM of India, Narendra Modi, for the second time here in Trinidad and Tobago, my first time seeing him. What an experience it was, listening to him speak in person...' Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago underlined Bihar's historic and cultural importance, praised the courage of the Indian diaspora, and called Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar 'daughter of Bihar', as he recalled her ancestral ties to the state and requested her to offer water from the Sarayu and the Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara in the Caribbean nation. 'Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a daughter of Bihar,' PM Modi said. 'You all know that earlier this year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamala ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu river and Mahakumbh to the Ganga dhara here,' he added. This is PM Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. (ANI)
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi receives ceremonial welcome in Trinidad and Tobago, interacts with Indian diaspora
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Port of Spain, as he began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago. The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture. Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. Many had been eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the Indian Prime Minister. This is Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar. During his two-day stay from July 3 to 4, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The High Commission in Port of Spain welcomed him with a post on X: 'Welcome to Trinidad & Tobago, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji!!' Earlier, Former Permanent Secretary at Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Agriculture, Dev Duggal expressed enthusiasm on PM Modi's visit, saying he's 'proud' that the Indian PM is visiting Trinidad and Tobago. 'We are very proud that PM Modi is visiting Trinidad and Tobago. This visit has been anticipated for a long time... I was in the Ministry of Agriculture in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and then I served as the advisor to the minister... PM Modi's previous visit was 22 years ago when he came to attend the World Hindu Conference, not as the PM of India. This visit carries a different stature,' Dev Duggal told ANI. Duggal also expressed happiness over the Trinidad and Tobago government's decision to honour PM Modi withthe Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), their highest honour. 'I am very happy that Trinidad and Tobago has decided to award PM Modi with the highest award. It is done after a lot of consideration... This award will bring both countries together. Both countries respect each other. 50% of the population of Trinidad and Tobago is of Indian origin... This visit is beneficial for both countries,' he said. PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9. His stop in Trinidad and Tobago is expected to boost bilateral relations, with a focus on areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, health, and IT. (ANI)
India.com
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Modi Mania Grips Trinidad: PM Receives Historic Welcome, Diaspora Cheers With Drums, Dance And Bhojpuri Chautaal
Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago): Port of Spain exploded with sound, colour and emotion as Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Trinidad and Tobago on July 3 for a historic two-day visit. The welcome was more than ceremonial. It was a full-blown celebration. Traditional drums echoed, dancers swayed to Indian-Caribbean beats and the air pulsed with chants and cheers. The prime minister stepped out into a wave of admiration, welcomed not only by the official delegation but by hundreds from the Indian diaspora, many waiting for hours at Piarco International Airport. He was greeted with a Guard of Honour and a rare personal reception from Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who was joined by 38 cabinet ministers and four Members of Parliament. Landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, distinguished members of the Cabinet and MPs for the gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will further cement bilateral ties between our nations. Looking forward to addressing… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025 Sharing some glimpses from the welcome at Port of Spain. May the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago continue to scale new heights in the times to come! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025 This marked Modi's first visit to the Caribbean nation as India's prime minister and the first by any Indian PM since 1999. The ceremonial welcome unfolded like a vivid display of cultural diplomacy. From traditional Trinidadian rhythms to the vibrant sounds of Bhojpuri Chautaal, the atmosphere celebrated shared history and roots. Splendid atmosphere at the community programme in Trinidad & Tobago. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025 PM Modi stood watching, visibly moved, as the performance echoed connections stretching back generations from the sugarcane plantations to today's cultural festivals. He later shared a video of the performance, calling it a 'cultural connect like no other'. A cultural connect like no other! 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. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025 In a heartfelt gesture, Trinidad and Tobago conferred upon Modi its highest civilian honour – The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT). Former Agriculture Secretary Dev Duggal, speaking on the sidelines, described the award as 'long overdue'. He recalled Modi's earlier visit in 2003 for the World Hindu Conference, before he became the prime minister. This time, Duggal said, the visit carried a new weight – one that recognised the stature of India's leader on the world stage. The airport welcome was only the beginning. Over the next two days, PM Modi will meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to deepen cooperation in areas such as digital finance, IT, renewable energy and healthcare. The broader aim is a long-term strategic bridge between India and the Caribbean. Modi also took time to connect with the Indian diaspora, which makes up nearly 50% of Trinidad and Tobago's population. Many in the crowd at the airport held placards and waved flags. Some broke into spontaneous Bhojpuri songs. 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… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025 The prime minister spoke to them warmly, praising their achievements in education, business, governance and cultural preservation. He highlighted how generations of Indian-origin families had shaped the country's growth while staying rooted in Indian traditions. Among those he met were three young winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz – Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato. Aimed at strengthening diaspora ties, the quiz had seen wide participation in Trinidad and Tobago. Modi congratulated the winners personally, calling the initiative a bridge between hearts and homelands. Posting about the encounter, Modi called the diaspora's welcome 'unforgettable' and their contribution to Trinidad and Tobago's development 'deep and inspiring'. He hoped the India-Trinidad bond would 'scale new heights in the times to come'. Met youngsters Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who are winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago. This Quiz has generated widespread participation across the world and deepened the connect of our diaspora with India. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025 For Port of Spain, the two days turned into a festival. For the Indian diaspora, it felt like a homecoming. And for India, the visit added another chapter to a growing story of global engagement built not only through treaties, but through tradition, people and presence. (With ANI inputs)
