‘Each One Of You Is A Rashtra Doot’: PM Modi Honours Indian Diaspora In Trinidad And Tobago

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi was met with thunderous applause and heartfelt warmth as he addressed a large, enthusiastic gathering of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. The event, brimming with vibrant cultural festivities and a deep sense of shared heritage, marked a significant moment in India&rsquo;s diplomatic and emotional ties with the Caribbean nation.</p>
<p>Hosted in the presence of Trinidad and Tobago&rsquo;s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and several top dignitaries, the gathering celebrated not just Modi&rsquo;s visit, but also the deep-rooted historical bonds between the two countries. As part of the welcome, PM Modi received a colorful traditional Indo-Trinidadian reception, symbolizing the enduring cultural connection between the two nations.</p>
<p>In a highlight moment of the evening, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar announced that Trinidad and Tobago would confer its highest civilian honor &mdash; The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago &mdash; on PM Modi. The announcement was met with a standing ovation, reflecting the admiration and respect for India&rsquo;s leader among the local population of Indian descent.</p>
<p>Expressing his gratitude, Prime Minister Modi called the honor deeply moving and thanked the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago for the gesture. &ldquo;This recognition belongs to 1.4 billion Indians,&rdquo; he said, visibly touched.</p>
<p>The timing of his visit carried added historical weight, as Trinidad and Tobago commemorates 180 years since the arrival of the first Indian immigrants. Modi emphasized how this shared history has blossomed into a strong, living bond &mdash; one that continues to thrive through generations.</p>
<p>Addressing the crowd, PM Modi lauded the Indian-origin community in Trinidad and Tobago for preserving their heritage despite the challenges of migration and distance. &ldquo;Your resilience, your culture, and your contributions to this nation are an inspiration,&rdquo; he said.</p>
<p>To further strengthen these familial ties, PM Modi announced a major initiative &mdash; Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will now be extended to the sixth generation of Indian-origin citizens in Trinidad and Tobago. The announcement was met with loud cheers, underscoring the emotional significance of the move for many in the crowd.</p>
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<p dir=”ltr” lang=”en”>Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Today, I am pleased to announce that OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards will now be extended to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago” <a href=”https://t.co/ujeUYL95AN”>pic.twitter.com/ujeUYL95AN</a></p>
&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1940934366919876807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<p>”This decision is more than a policy change,” Modi added. “It&rsquo;s a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Girmitiya community and a recognition of their place in India&rsquo;s heart.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Reaffirming India&rsquo;s commitment to nurturing its overseas bonds, Modi said the Indian government would continue to support initiatives that honor the legacy of indentured Indian laborers &mdash; the Girmitiyas &mdash; who journeyed to the Caribbean nearly two centuries ago.</p>
<p>Modi also touched upon India&rsquo;s recent achievements on the global stage, highlighting the country&rsquo;s leap into the future with advancements in technology, space, and innovation.</p>
<p>&ldquo;India&rsquo;s digital revolution is transforming lives,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;With nearly 120 startups reaching unicorn status, and missions in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors gaining momentum, innovation is becoming a people&rsquo;s movement.&rdquo;</p>
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<p dir=”ltr” lang=”en”>Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Nearly 120 startups in India have achieved unicorn status. National missions in Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors and quantum computing are emerging as powerful engines of growth. In many ways,&hellip; <a href=”https://t.co/rYs1oKwkrT”>pic.twitter.com/rYs1oKwkrT</a></p>
&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1940934158030983307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<p>He also reflected on recent milestones, including the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure you all felt proud when Chandrayaan touched down on the Moon. We named the landing site &lsquo;Shiv Shakti Point,&rsquo; a tribute to India&rsquo;s heritage and strength,&rdquo; he said.</p>
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<p dir=”ltr” lang=”en”>Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “I&rsquo;m sure you all must have cheered with pride when India&rsquo;s Chandrayaan successfully landed on the Moon. The site of the landing has been named Shiv Shakti Point, a tribute to our heritage and spirit. And as&hellip; <a href=”https://t.co/MpeuhOwXQp”>pic.twitter.com/MpeuhOwXQp</a></p>
&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1940933135048581256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<p>In an inspiring note, he reminded the diaspora of their role in shaping India&rsquo;s global image. &ldquo;With over 35 million people of Indian origin living around the world, each of you is a Rashtra Doot &mdash; an ambassador of our culture, values, and traditions,&rdquo; he said, his voice ringing with conviction.</p>
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<p dir=”ltr” lang=”en”>Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “The strength and support of our diaspora is a source of immense pride. With over 35 million people spread across the globe, the Indian diaspora truly embodies our spirit. I have often said that each one of&hellip; <a href=”https://t.co/uroHtd0xcc”>pic.twitter.com/uroHtd0xcc</a></p>
&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1940932407689171425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi&rsquo;s visit to Trinidad and Tobago &mdash; rich with symbolism, pride, and emotional resonance &mdash; not only celebrated history but also paved the way for a deeper, more inclusive future for the Indian diaspora.</p>