Port of Spain, July 4 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on the second leg of his five-nation visit. During the two-day visit, the Prime Minister will meet top leaders of Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen bilateral ties. Mr. Modi was received by his counterpart Kamala Prasad-Bissessar at the Piarco International Airport. Along with the ceremonial welcome, Mr. Modi was also given a 'guard of honour'. Several cabinet ministers and senators were also present to welcome the Prime Minister. A cultural performance was also given at the airport and Modi also met people dressed as characters from Indian mythology.
Mr. Modi said in a post on X, "I have reached Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. I thank Prime Minister Kamala Prasad-Bissessar, the distinguished members of the Cabinet and the members of Parliament for welcoming me at the airport,” he said. “This visit will further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. I look forward to addressing a community event in a few hours from now.” This is Mr. Modi’s first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit to Trinidad and Tobago by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999. On Mr. Modi’s arrival at the hotel, the Indian community welcomed him with slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Modi, Modi’. An orchestra performed and another group performed the traditional Bhojpuri Chautal taal. Prime Minister Modi is also expected to address the joint session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. His visit will give a new impetus to the deep and historic ties between the two countries. Mr Modi arrived here from Ghana, where he held talks with the country's top leadership and the two countries elevated their ties to the level of a comprehensive partnership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi later addressed the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago and urged them to visit their ancestral land, India, and walk on the soil they once walked on. Mr Modi said that people sitting in backwaters in India would welcome him with open arms and jalebis. Notably, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamala Prasad Bisesar is called the "Daughter of Bihar" because of her ancestral ties with India.
Mr Modi said, "I encourage all of you to come to India not only through social media but also in person. Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk on the soil they once walked on. Bring your children and neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys ‘chai’ and a good story. We will welcome you all with open arms, warm hearts and jalebis. He also invited Bissessar to visit the Mahakumbh.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi announced that persons of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago up to the sixth generation will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India cards, which will give them the right to live and work in India without any restrictions.
The Prime Minister will visit Argentina from July 4 to 5 as part of the third leg of his tour. After this, he will travel to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit and will follow it with an official visit. In the last leg of his visit, Modi will visit Namibia.