Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a five-nation tour, arrived in Trinidad and Tobago early on Friday morning. This is his first official visit to the Caribbean nation as Prime Minister and the first bilateral Prime Ministerial-level visit from India since 1999.
The prime minister is visiting Trinidad and Tobago at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Upon arrival, he was warmly received at the Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain and was greeted by the prime minister, who wore Indian attire for the occasion, along with her entire cabinet.
Notably, PM Modi is also slated to receive the Order of Trinidad and Tobago, the highest honour of the country, during his historic two-day visit to the country.
The Order of Trinidad and Tobago, which was established in 2008, replaced the Trinity Cross as the decoration for distinguished and outstanding service to the country.
The 'Bihar' Connect
Hailing Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's Indian connect, PM Modi called her 'Bihar ki Beti' (daughter of Bihar) as her ancestors reportedly were from Buxar in Bihar.
"We are not just connected by blood or surname, we are connected by belonging. India looks out to you and welcomes you. The ancestors of PM Kamla were from Bihar's Buxar. She has also visited the place. People consider her the daughter of Bihar,” PM Modi said.“Bihar's heritage is the pride of India and the world... Bihar has shown the way to the world in various fields for centuries. New opportunities will emerge from Bihar in the 21st century also", PM Modi said.
PM Modi also reflected on his visit 25 years ago, noting how the friendship between the Caribbean country and India has grown stronger since then.
Further emphasising the cultural connections, he pointed out that cities like Banaras, Patna, Kolkata and Delhi are not only in India but also found as street names in Trinidad.
"Navaratra, Mahashivratri and Janmashtami are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chautal and Bhaitak gana continue to thrive here. I can see the warmth of many familiar faces here," he said.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, around 40% of the people in Trinidad and Tobago are of Indian origin. About 556,800 people of Indian descent live there. Out of these, 1,800 are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), while the rest are local citizens whose ancestors came from India between 1845 and 1917 as indentured labourers.
