Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand and emotionally charged welcome during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago on July 3, 2025. As he arrived at Piarco International Airport, he was greeted with a traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal performance—a rhythmic folk form deeply rooted in Indian culture, especially from the states of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Dressed in mythological costumes, members of the First Felicity Ramleela and Cultural Group lined the runway, bringing alive a powerful Indo-Caribbean connection. The vibrant drums and tassa beats added to the festive atmosphere.
Sharing a clip of the welcome on social media, PM Modi wrote,
“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.”
This visit marks the first official trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago in over 25 years. PM Modi was received by T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and MPs. In a symbolic gesture, Modi referred to Persad-Bissessar—whose ancestors hail from Buxar district in Bihar—as "Bihar ki Beti."
🪔 Deepening Cultural and Ancestral Ties
With nearly 40% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population having Indian roots, PM Modi’s visit was a moment of pride and celebration for the Indian diaspora. He praised the community for preserving traditions such as Ramleela, Navratri, Shivratri, and the use of Bhojpuri language—even six generations after their ancestors arrived as indentured laborers.
During his speech, PM Modi also announced that sixth-generation descendants of the Indian diaspora in T&T will now be eligible for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards, a move widely appreciated by the Indo-Trinidadian community.
He also presented sacred waters from the Sarayu River and Kumbh Sangam, and a replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, symbolizing spiritual and cultural unity across continents.
📱 UPI Goes Global, Starting with Trinidad & Tobago
In a significant development, Trinidad and Tobago will now adopt India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface), making it the first Caribbean nation to implement the platform. This is expected to strengthen digital connectivity and economic collaboration between the two nations.
🏅 Honours & Controversies
Modi is likely to be conferred with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), the country’s highest civilian honor. However, not all voices are in agreement. The Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association, a prominent Muslim organization in T&T, expressed concerns regarding Modi’s human rights record and his government’s stance on religious minorities.
Despite these criticisms, Modi's visit is being hailed by many as a historic moment in Indo-Caribbean relations, blending diplomacy with deep-rooted cultural reverence.
🔗 Summary
From Bhojpuri beats at the airport to policy changes that uplift the diaspora, PM Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago marks a significant step in strengthening India’s cultural, digital, and diplomatic influence in the Caribbean region.
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