Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for connecting with people both on Indian soil and abroad, has once again captured attention—this time from the Caribbean nation of Trinidad & Tobago. During his diplomatic tour, PM Modi’s heartfelt gestures toward Indian traditions, particularly those rooted in Bihar, have triggered a wave of reactions and speculation, especially in the political circles back home.
The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food served on a Sohari leaf, which is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, especially those with Indian roots. Here, food is often served on this leaf during festivals and other special… pic.twitter.com/KX74HL44qi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025
Foreign Land, Desi Touch
Photos of PM Modi relishing Bhojpuri Chautaal, enjoying the rhythms of dhol-manjira, and dining on a Sohari leaf at the official dinner hosted by Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar have gone viral. In a symbolic gesture that resonated with millions of Indians, especially Biharis, Modi called Persad-Bissessar a “daughter of Bihar”, acknowledging her Indian roots.
Bhojpuri Chautaal echoes in Trinidad & Tobago! pic.twitter.com/k2OBhPg7ch
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) July 3, 2025
Notably, sohari leaves carry deep cultural importance among the Indian-origin diaspora in the Caribbean. Using them for festive meals evokes memories of India’s rural traditions—especially in Bihar and eastern UP. Modi’s visible cultural immersion is being seen as a message of emotional solidarity with the Indian diaspora.
Bihar Mention Abroad: Coincidence or Calculated?
PM Modi stated, “The people of Trinidad and Tobago may have left Indian soil, but not their soul. They were not just migrants; they were carriers of an eternal civilization.” He further emphasized, “Bihar’s legacy is a matter of pride for India and the world. It has led in democracy, diplomacy, and governance for centuries. The 21st century will see new opportunities emerging from Bihar.”
His pointed reference to Bihar’s contribution comes just months ahead of the state’s assembly elections, fueling speculation that his remarks were not merely ceremonial but political strategic.
बिहार, भारत का ही नहीं दुनिया का गौरव है.
: त्रिनिदाद और टोबैगो में प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी pic.twitter.com/0yv53U9CIY
— Nidhi Shree (@NidhiShreeJha) July 4, 2025
Opposition’s Unease Visible
Although the Bihar elections are still months away, the political temperature is already rising. The RJD, Congress, Left, and VIP parties are working to halt the NDA’s momentum, while the BJP, JD(U), LJP, and allies are gearing up for a strong fight. Modi’s remarks and symbolism in Trinidad & Tobago, where over 45% of the population traces its roots to Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, have not gone unnoticed.
Many Indo-Caribbean families hail from Bhojpuri-speaking districts like Saran (Chhapra), Ballia, Siwan, Gopalganj, Azamgarh, and Varanasi. Given this, Modi’s embrace of regional identity abroad is being interpreted as an indirect outreach to Bihar’s electorate, especially to the large number of voters who value tradition, culture, and regional pride.
Strategic Messaging or Cultural Courtesy?
Whether this was part of a pre-election strategy or a heartfelt tribute to the Indian diaspora remains open to interpretation. What’s certain is that PM Modi’s cultural diplomacy has added an emotional chord to his foreign trip—and one that may echo strongly back in Bihar’s political corridors.
The opposition, watching closely, may find this growing narrative hard to counter, especially as Modi continues to project tradition, nationalism, and global leadership all in one frame.
