Narendra Modi, during a ceremonial visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, described Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as “Bihar ki Beti”, honouring her ancestral ties to the town of Buxar in Bihar. Addressing a jubilant Indian community in Port of Spain, Modi underscored the shared lineage, culture and spiritual affinity that bind the two nations.
“We are not just connected by blood or surname, we are connected by belonging,” Modi said, adding that Persad-Bissessar has previously visited Buxar, a town which holds deep significance for her family history. “People consider her the daughter of Bihar,” he remarked to warm applause.
The Indian Prime Minister was received at Piarco International Airport by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who wore traditional Indian attire. A ceremonial Guard of Honour marked his arrival, attended by 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, speaking at a diaspora event later that evening, returned the warmth in full. “This evening we are graced by the presence of someone near and dear to us,” she said. “We are graced by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol, but a profound honour for us.”
Describing Modi as “one of the world’s most respected, most admired visionary leaders,” Persad-Bissessar said his presence held special meaning for the Indo-Trinidadian community, whose ancestors came from the “same blessed Indian soil from which you emerged.”
Persad-Bissessar’s own political journey has been one of notable firsts. Since entering public life in 1987, she became the Caribbean’s first female Prime Minister, Attorney General, and Opposition Leader. She also holds the distinction of being the first woman of Indian origin to serve as prime minister outside South Asia and the first woman to chair the Commonwealth.
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Modi reflected on his earlier visit to Trinidad and Tobago 25 years ago, noting how the bilateral relationship had deepened. He spoke of cultural continuity, referencing that cities such as Banaras, Patna, Kolkata and Delhi are not only found in India but also as street names in Port of Spain.
“Navaratra, Mahashivratri and Janmashtami are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chautal and Bhaitak gana continue to thrive here,” he said. “I can see the warmth of many familiar faces here.”
Roughly 40 per cent of Trinidad and Tobago’s population traces its ancestry to India. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, nearly 5.5 lakh people of Indian origin reside in the Caribbean nation, with most descending from indentured labourers who arrived between 1845 and 1917. Of these, 1,800 are presently Non-Resident Indians.
Despite being smaller than Jodhpur, Trinidad and Tobago has retained strong Indian influences in cuisine, language, music and ritual observance. Modi acknowledged this cultural preservation, calling it a testament to the resilience and pride of the diaspora.
In a major announcement, Modi revealed that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will now be extended to the sixth generation of Indian descendants in Trinidad and Tobago, a move widely applauded by the Indo-Caribbean community.
Both leaders pledged to strengthen cultural and economic ties, with Modi asserting, “Bihar’s heritage is the pride of India and the world... Bihar has shown the way for centuries and will continue to do so in the 21st century.”
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