Modi Calls Global Indian Diaspora ‘India’s Pride’ During Trinidad Visit
Warm
Reception: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a heartfelt welcome from
the Indian community after landing in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on
Thursday. He was joined by the country’s Prime Minister, Kamla
Persad-Bissessar.
During
an event with people of Indian origin on Friday, Prime Minister Modi praised
the 35 million-strong Indian diaspora across the globe, calling them a source
of pride for the country. Speaking in the capital, Port of Spain, he emphasized
the importance of preserving and deepening India’s ties with its global
community—particularly those descended from indentured laborers taken from
India during the colonial period.
“The
Indian diaspora is not just a number—it’s our strength, our cultural
ambassadors,” Modi said. “Each of you represents the spirit, values, and
heritage of India wherever you are.”
In a
significant announcement, Modi revealed that sixth-generation Indian-origin
citizens in Trinidad and Tobago will soon be eligible to receive the Overseas
Citizen of India (OCI) card—marking the first time India has extended this
benefit to such a distant generation in the Caribbean region.
The
Prime Minister also acknowledged the deep historical and cultural bonds between
the Girmitiya community in the Caribbean and their ancestral roots in
India—mainly from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. These regions were the point
of origin for many of the Bhojpuri-speaking migrants who were sent to work on
plantations across the Caribbean, southern Africa, and the Pacific during
British colonial rule.
“We’re
working to reconnect with that history,” he said, noting that India is creating
a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya diaspora. This includes documenting
the Indian villages their ancestors came from, tracking where their descendants
are today, and preserving the stories of their journeys. He also mentioned
plans to hold regular World Girmitiya Conferences to celebrate and study this
legacy.
Modi
congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on becoming the first Caribbean nation to
adopt India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) digital payment system, which
will make financial transactions between the two countries easier and more
efficient.
As
the island nation prepares to mark 180 years since the arrival of Indian
indentured laborers in 2025, Modi’s visit and announcements were especially
meaningful. “India doesn’t just see you as people with Indian names,” he said.
“You are family. You belong.”
