Key Points:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Trinidad and Tobago as part of his five-nation diplomatic tour.
- Modi is awarded the country’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’.
- Warm welcome at Piarco International Airport with cultural performances and presence of PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and top officials.
- Indian diaspora greets Modi with enthusiastic chants and celebrations at his hotel.
- Both leaders emphasize deep historical, cultural, and emotional ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
- Modi set to address a major community event and hold bilateral talks to boost cooperation.
Port of Spain: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a spectacular and heartfelt welcome upon his arrival in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on Thursday, marking the second leg of his ambitious five-nation diplomatic tour. The visit is being hailed as a milestone in India-Caribbean relations, with Modi being conferred the prestigious ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’ the nation’s highest civilian honour.
A Grand Reception at Piarco International Airport
Modi’s arrival at Piarco International Airport was met with vibrant celebrations and a display of Indo-Trinidadian cultural heritage. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar personally received him, accompanied by a full guard of honour, cabinet ministers, and members of parliament. The airport was adorned with traditional Indian decorations, and local artists dressed as mythological characters performed cultural presentations, highlighting the shared heritage between the two nations.
Indian Diaspora Greets Modi with Enthusiasm
As Modi proceeded to his hotel, he was greeted by a jubilant crowd of the Indian diaspora, who welcomed him with chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Modi-Modi’. The atmosphere was electric, reflecting the pride and excitement of the community at having the Indian Prime Minister in their midst. Modi, in a post on the social media platform X, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated his commitment to strengthening ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
Honoured with the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’
In a historic moment, Prime Minister Modi was bestowed with the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’, recognizing his global leadership and efforts to foster international cooperation. The award ceremony was attended by top dignitaries and marked a significant gesture of friendship and respect from the Caribbean nation.
Deepening Bilateral Relations and Cultural Bonds
During the welcome ceremony, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised Modi’s transformative leadership, stating,
“It is a matter of great pride and good fortune for us that today we have among us such a great leader, with whom we have a deep emotional connection and whom we look up to with great respect and honour. This is not just a courtesy visit, but a memorable and dignified moment for us.”
Modi is scheduled to address a major community event later in the day, where he is expected to highlight the shared history, culture, and aspirations of India and Trinidad and Tobago. He will also hold high-level bilateral talks aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, education, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Strengthening India’s Global Partnerships
This visit underscores India’s commitment to deepening its relationships with Caribbean nations and the Indian diaspora worldwide. Modi’s recognition by Trinidad and Tobago is seen as a testament to India’s growing influence and the strong bonds forged through centuries of migration and shared values.
As the visit continues, both nations look forward to new avenues of collaboration, celebrating their enduring friendship and the vibrant contributions of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago.
