As part of his longest diplomatic tour yet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago following his visit to Ghana, marking a significant leg of his outreach to the Caribbean region. During a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, PM Modi presented symbolic gifts that underscore the deep cultural and spiritual ties between India and Trinidad & Tobago.
At the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, I presented a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and holy water from the Saryu river as well as from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. They symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad &… pic.twitter.com/ec48ABwWdB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025
Among the special offerings were a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, holy water from the Saryu river, and water from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. The gesture was warmly received and widely appreciated, both in the host nation and across social media in India.
“At the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, I presented a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and holy water from the Saryu river as well as from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. They symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad & Tobago,” PM Modi tweeted.
Strengthening Cultural and Diaspora Bonds
Trinidad and Tobago is home to a significant Indian diaspora, with nearly 40–45% of the population being of Indian origin. PM Modi’s gesture was aimed at strengthening these ancestral connections and honoring the cultural and spiritual legacy shared between the two nations.
The symbolic gifts resonated deeply with the Indian-origin community in the Caribbean nation, reaffirming India’s commitment to nurturing ties with its global diaspora.
Economic and Strategic Importance
Apart from the cultural emphasis, the visit also holds economic significance. Bilateral trade between India and Trinidad & Tobago reached $341.61 million in FY 2024–25, and discussions during the visit are expected to explore new avenues for cooperation in energy, pharmaceuticals, and IT.
India views the Caribbean region, particularly Trinidad & Tobago, as a gateway to expanding influence and fostering diplomatic and economic relations in the Western Hemisphere.
Soft Power Diplomacy in Action
The visit reflects PM Modi’s use of soft power diplomacy—combining tradition, faith, and strategic outreach to reinforce India’s role on the global stage. The presentation of spiritually significant items like the Ram Mandir replica and sacred waters serves not only as a gesture of goodwill but also as a reaffirmation of India’s cultural heritage and its enduring connection with the diaspora.
A Celebrated Moment
Photographs from the event show PM Modi alongside Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, showcasing a moment of mutual respect and warmth. The visit has drawn widespread praise online, with many hailing it as a powerful example of diplomacy rooted in culture and emotion.
With this visit, PM Modi continues to expand India’s global influence while keeping the spirit of its ancient civilization alive in every diplomatic step.
