PM Modi receives grand welcome in Trinidad and Tobago; praised as 'transformational force' by counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar

PM Modi thanks Trinidad And Tobago for warm welcome

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, where he was welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four members of the Caribbean nation’s Parliament.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar offered high praise for Prime Minister Modi, saying she was honored and deeply privileged to welcome him.

"Prime Minister you are a transformational force who has refined governance of India and position your country as a prominent and dominant global power" she said.

While remembering Modi's first visit to the country she said, "On your first visit to country in 2002, you were not the Prime minister but cultural ambassador, today you return as head of government of more than 1.4 billion people, you return as a distinguished and celebrated leader whose influence transcends boundaries."

Speaking about India’s support to neighboring countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, "Under your leadership, India has reached out to the world like never before most notably through your compassion and generosity during the Vaccine Initiative four years ago. You ensured that vaccines and medical supplies reached even the smallest nations, including Trinidad and Tobago. This was more than diplomacy it was an act of kinship, a gesture of shared humanity, and an expression of love."

The warm reception and praise from Persad-Bissessar underscore the importance of India-Trinidad & Tobago ties, especially given her own historic role as the first female prime minister of Indian descent outside the subcontinent.