Renewed commitment to strengthen bilateral ties: MEA's Randhir Jaiswal on PM Modi's Trinidad & Tobago visit

IANS July 4, 2025 429 views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's groundbreaking visit to Trinidad and Tobago represents a significant diplomatic milestone after a 26-year gap. The trip underscores the deep cultural and historical bonds between India and the Caribbean nation, particularly through its substantial Indian-origin population. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the strong people-to-people connections by speaking in Hindi and Bhojpuri. This visit symbolizes India's renewed commitment to strengthening international relationships and engaging with its global diaspora.

"The relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago is unbreakable." - Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson
Port of Spain, July 4: India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal delivered a heartfelt statement in Port of Spain on Friday, highlighting the historic significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago and said that the visit marks a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Key Points

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- First Indian PM visit to Trinidad in 26 years marks diplomatic breakthrough

Speaking in both Hindi and Bhojpuri to connect with the Indian-origin community in the country, Jaiswal emphasised the deep cultural and historical bonds between the two nations.

"The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has arrived today in the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain, on a historic visit. At the airport, he was warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with members of her Cabinet and other dignitaries," said Jaiswal.

He stressed the importance of the visit, pointing out the long gap since such a high-level engagement: "This visit is historic from India's side because it is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago in 26 years. It marks a renewed commitment to strengthening our bilateral relationship."

Jaiswal went on to underline the strong people-to-people connections, saying, "The total population of this country is about 1.3 million. Out of this, around 45 per cent are of Indian origin. That is why the relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago is unbreakable."

He made a special mention of the Indian diaspora's ancestral roots, "The majority of Indian-origin people here trace their ancestry to the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India. They come from Bhojpuri-speaking regions such as Chapra, Arrah, Ballia, Siwan, Gopalganj, Varanasi, Azamgarh, and others."

By addressing the diaspora in their native tongue, Jaiswal acknowledged the emotional and cultural ties that continue to thrive despite the geographic distance.

Reader Comments

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Priya S
While I appreciate the cultural outreach, I hope such visits translate into concrete economic benefits for both nations. Trade agreements and investment opportunities should be the focus along with emotional connections.
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Arjun K
Amazing to see 45% of Trinidad's population is of Indian origin! Our culture has truly spread across the globe. Jaiswal ji's speech in Bhojpuri must have brought tears to many eyes - connecting them to their roots after generations.
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Sarah B
As someone married into an Indian-Trinidadian family, this visit means so much! The cultural preservation in Trinidad is remarkable - they still celebrate Phagwa and Diwali with such enthusiasm. More exchange programs would be wonderful!
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Karthik V
26 years is too long for such an important diplomatic visit! We need regular high-level engagements with countries having such strong Indian connections. Hope this becomes annual rather than once-in-a-generation.
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Nisha Z
The mention of specific districts in UP and Bihar shows such thoughtful preparation! My nani was from Ballia - this makes me emotional imagining her relatives who might have gone there during British times. Jai Hind! 🙏

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Tags:
Modi Visit Trinidad and Tobago Indian Diaspora Bilateral Relations Randhir Jaiswal External Affairs