NEW DELHI: PM Modi will reach Port of Spain Thursday on the first visit by an Indian PM to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. While this will be his first official visit, part of the focus on strengthening engagement with the Carribean nation's Indian diaspora, Modi's ties with Trinidad and Tobago, stretch back 25 years.
In Aug 2000, as BJP general secretary, he attended World Hindu Conference. The gathering had brought together over 1,000 delegates from across the globe. Modi's keynote address focused on the ancient Indian concept of prioritising the lager social good over one's personal interests and preservation of Indian culture within the Indian diaspora.
This connection is expected to be a highlight of the upcoming trip as well, with Modi likely to meet representatives of the diaspora. Modi's interaction with the Indian diaspora, which forms nearly 40% of Trinidad's population, will be a key feature of the visit. A large public event is being planned in Port of Spain, where the PM is expected to underline India's role as a "Vishwa Mitra (friend of the world)" and reiterate his govt's outreach to people of Indian origin globally.
During his visit, Modi is expected to hold talks with Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to explore ways to expand cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, IT, and capacity building.